ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Zayed Authority for People of Determination has launched a pioneering national initiative to support children’s mental health as part of the Ulfah Program, presented by the National Academy for Childhood Development, with the participation of SAKINA, the specialised mental health network under SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth.
This joint initiative brings together three entities to strengthen the system of psychological support for children in the UAE, reflecting the country’s commitment to enhancing quality of life and building a more resilient society capable of facing challenges.
The initiative represents a model of institutional integration among entities concerned with childhood and community development by unifying efforts and exchanging expertise to deliver high-quality programmes that support children’s mental health and empower families and society to provide a safe and supportive psychological environment for children’s growth.
The initiative embodies a comprehensive proactive approach aimed at enhancing children’s psychological readiness. This contributes to accelerating recovery and building psychological resilience among future generations.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s national vision to enhance quality of life and community mental health while fostering a safe and inclusive environment that ensures children’s development on sound psychological and social foundations.
His Excellency Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi is committed to building a more connected and sustainable society, and mental health is now at the heart of that effort, shaping social policies and improving quality of life. This initiative is a great example of different institutions coming together, and it shows how mature our social system has become in joining forces to create lasting change for children, families, and the community.
“Investing in children’s mental health early on is a smart, long-term investment in our people. That’s how we build lasting positive change across society.”
Sheikha Hamda bint Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Strategic Initiatives Ambassador of SAKINA, said: “Every child carries unique potential, and every family plays a fundamental role in nurturing these potentials. We have launched a specialised programme aimed at equipping families with the latest knowledge and approaches that enhance children’s balance, develop their skills, and support their growth with confidence across different stages of life.
“It also supports schools and teachers as partners in the development journey. With flexibility that suits your lifestyle, the programme can be accessed either in person or remotely. We invite you to join us so we can grow together and build a generation that is more confident and capable of realising its full potential.”
His Excellency Abdullah Ismail Al Kamali, Executive Director for People of Determination Sector – Zayed Authority for People of Determination, said: “This initiative represents an important step toward building an integrated psychological support system for children that enhances their ability to adapt to challenges and exceptional circumstances. Investing in children’s mental health is ultimately an investment in the future of society.”
His Excellency added that the authority continues to develop high-quality programmes and initiatives in partnership with specialised institutions to empower children, particularly People of Determination, to grow in a safe and stimulating environment that enhances their abilities and supports their psychological and social development.
Dr Meera Al Kaabi, Acting President of the National Academy for Childhood Development, said: “This partnership reflects the academy’s commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at strengthening the childhood development ecosystem by preparing and qualifying specialised national professionals capable of understanding the diverse needs of children, including psychological and social aspects.”
Dr Al Kaabi explained that the academy works toward this goal through the accredited Professional Diploma in Childhood Development as well as continuous training and educational programmes, including the Ulfah Program, an awareness and training initiative that aims to empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and educational skills needed to support children’s development across different stages of life.
The programme offers a series of workshops and interactive sessions covering contemporary parenting topics such as positive parenting, strengthening family communication, behaviour management, and children’s mental health, thereby supporting families and fostering a more informed and stable educational environment.
In parallel, the academy is developing an integrated ecosystem of programs including short training courses, micro-learning modules, and accredited qualifications in various fields of childhood development, contributing to the preparation of professionals capable of meeting children’s diverse needs and enhancing the quality of services provided to them and their families.
Dr Zain Ali Al Yafaei, Chief Executive Officer of SAKINA, said: “Promoting children’s mental health begins with providing a supportive home environment. Through specialised guidance, we aim to establish strong foundations for mental well-being within our society and build a brighter future for our children.”
The initiative focuses on early childhood (0–6 years) through a comprehensive system of specialised programmes that consider the psychological and developmental characteristics of this stage.
These include a wide range of digital interactive programmes, in-person and virtual activities targeting children, parents, teachers, and the wider community to raise awareness about mental health and strengthen children’s coping skills and psychological resilience when facing pressures and changes.
The initiative also highlights the potential developmental and psychological trauma impacts on children, which may include effects on brain development, declining academic performance, weakened social skills, and challenges in identity formation.
The initiative offers a wide range of specialised programmes including sensory play sessions, early development programmes, art and music therapy, workshops to enhance social and emotional skills, and mindfulness and emotional regulation programmes.
It also includes digital applications and supportive tools based on modern therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
The initiative provides family support and guidance programmes including awareness seminars, workshops to strengthen family communication skills, training programs to help parents support children’s and adolescents’ mental health, as well as peer-support platforms and specialised psychological consultations.
The initiative pays particular attention to Children of Determination, offering early developmental assessments and specialised therapeutic interventions such as occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and behavioral support, in addition to training and empowerment programmes for caregivers and families to enhance inclusion and integrated support.
The initiative emphasises that every child possesses unique potential that deserves care and support, and that families and communities play a central role in nurturing this potential by providing knowledge, skills, and tools that promote children’s mental well-being across different stages of development.