TALAH TURK (ABU DHABI)
Taking great pride in the high quality of life enjoyed by citizens and residents, Abu Dhabi places great importance on maintaining these standards at every stage of life. Artful Living reflects this commitment by helping older members of the community continue to find purpose and fulfilment later in life.
Active Ageing and Lifelong Learning
Implemented by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Mubadala Foundation, Artful Living empowers men and women to remain active members of society, fostering a sense of joy, belonging, and meaningful engagement.
Outreach Manager at the DCT, Lubna Al Teneiji, told to Aletihad that the programme aims to enrich individuals’ lives, strengthen their sense of appreciation, and open new horizons for creativity, learning, and social interaction.
The year-round initiative extends an open invitation to a comprehensive agenda of artistic and cultural activities, through which participants get to discover hidden talents, develop new skills, and partake in enriching experiences tailored to their interests and needs.
Encouraging older members of the community to pursue lifelong learning, the activities work towards building self-confidence and providing space for creative self-expression.
Furthermore, it celebrates the valuable knowledge and experience of senior citizens and residents, recognising them as important sources of life lessons and insight. By encouraging intergenerational conversations, the initiative ensures collective memory, knowledge, and tradition are passed on to the younger generation.
Fostering Belonging and Connection
Particular emphasis is placed on cultural experiences, such as visits to museums and heritage sites, investing in participants’ familiarity of the history and heritage of the emirate and the UAE as a whole. This, in turn, leads to an enhanced sense of belonging and appreciation of Emirati culture.
By bringing people together through shared experiences, the programme also helps combat social isolation and loneliness in later years of life, serving as a reminder that meaningful human connections can start at any age.
In Participants’ Own Words
Artful Living participant Ahmed Mohammed Belhamer, a retired former Head of the Programmes and Curricula Department at the Ministry of Education, reflected on the programme's contribution to preserving Emirati heritage.
“The Artful Living programme represents a window that brings together the past and the present, with a clear focus on heritage. It gives participants the opportunity to showcase their ideas, experiences, and expertise in presenting Emirati heritage through modern approaches that resonate with residents and visitors to the country and introduce them to its rich history. The programme also contributes, in collaboration with other entities, to strengthening younger generations connection to Emirati heritage,” he said.
Masoud Gharib Al Otaiba, a former Supervisor and General Coordinator at the Abu Dhabi Institute for Vocational Education and Training, shared how the experience had enriched his life.
He said: “I joined the Cultural Foundation/Artful Living studio by chance while participating in one of the volunteer groups for senior citizens. I joined them in several workshops on painting, pottery, and jewellery making. My impression was very positive, and I got to know some of the other men and women.
"The experience had a profound impact on me. I learned some crafts and came out of isolation. I wish this great institution every success, continued achievement, and lasting impact.”