The Family Development Foundation organised the sixth forum for senior citizens and residents in 2023, coinciding with the International Day for the Elderly.

The event took place at the Jebel Hafeet Community Centre affiliated with the Foundation in Al Ain City, under the generous patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

The forum, held under the slogan “Towards Sustainable Social Welfare for Senior Citizens and Residents”, reflects the foundation’s keenness, in collaboration with its strategic partners, to care for this important segment of the community.

This is aligned with its strategy, objectives, and competencies aimed at providing necessary services to senior citizens and ensuring they live stable social lives, recognising their high esteem in the country.

The forum was attended by Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director-General of the Family Development Foundation, Salama Ajlan Alameemi, Director-General of the Community Contribution Authority (Ma’an), alongside several strategic partners, staff of the Family Development Foundation, senior citizens, and residents.

His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi, in a video message, praised the forum’s activities, noting that the event reflects the commitment of the “Mother of the Nation” to care for and support the elderly in the community, and recognises their role in enhancing family cohesion and social ties.

His Excellency said: “We are keen in the department, in cooperation with entities in the social sector, to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens and residents in Abu Dhabi. They are the main pillar of the community, playing a significant role in its construction, enhancing its cohesion, and achieving development and prosperity.”

Dr. Al Khaili highlighted the immense support from the wise leadership to provide the best living standards for senior citizens, ensuring their high quality of life.

His Excellency Ali Salem Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Family Development Foundation, conveyed in a speech delivered on his behalf by Mariam Rumaithi, greetings from Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.

His Excellency stated: “On this occasion, we recall the efforts of the UAE, which gives utmost importance to senior citizens and residents, and the extensive efforts made to serve them, ensure their happiness, improve their quality of life, and guarantee their family stability. They are the driving force behind sustainable development, which requires us to work diligently and harness all resources to fulfil their ambitions and meet their needs, in line with the directions of the wise leadership headed by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the aspirations of the government, which places citizens at the forefront of its concerns and priorities.”

Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi honoured the most active participants in the foundation’s programmes and services, a gesture that reflects the foundation’s continuous commitment to encourage their participation and motivate them to benefit from the services provided.

This includes continuous interaction with participants, understanding their needs, ensuring a dignified life, overseeing their affairs, and providing services to enhance their stability in all of the foundation’s centres in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, in appreciation of their extended contributions and expertise in serving the community.

The conference also witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Family Development Foundation, the Community Contribution Authority (Ma’an), and MEK for Management Services - Asn’a to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens and residents in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by developing their skills and active participation in social activities, particularly handicrafts.

The agreement was signed by Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Salama Ajlan Alameemi, and Talal Al Ansari, General Manager of MEK for Management Services - Asn’a.

As part of the forum, the Family Development Foundation organised two sessions. The first was led by Dr. Fatima Abdullah Al Hamadi, a sociology expert at the Family Development Foundation, and focused on policies and global and national trends that ensure senior citizens’ rights and enhance their quality of life.

In another session, Sulaiman Al Mazmi, Social Care Advisor at the Ministry of Community Development, discussed policies, strategies, and national directions.

Meanwhile, Sheikha Al Hosani, Executive Director of the Monitoring and Social Innovation Sector at the Department of Community Development, addressed policies, strategies, and future plans to ensure the ongoing well-being and quality of life for senior citizens and residents in Abu Dhabi.