MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi is strengthening its integrated approach to child protection through Dama Al-Aman, the emirate’s integrated child protection system, which brings together 21 local and federal entities to prevent abuse and neglect, identify potential risks at an early stage and ensure children and their families receive coordinated support.
The initiative, established by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) in collaboration with its partners, was highlighted during an immersive media experience held for the first time on Monday.
The event brought together members of the media and content creators to raise awareness about the system and the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding children.
Under the theme “Protecting Children Takes All of Us”, the campaign aims to equip parents, educators and community members with the knowledge to recognise potential signs of abuse or neglect, understand reporting procedures and access the appropriate support services.
Laila Al Hassan, Director of Communications and Partnerships at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), said the initiative aims to encourage earlier recognition of concerns and strengthen the support provided to children and their families.
“Our central message today was really clear and really simple: the earlier you notice a concern with a child, the earlier the system and all the participating entities and partners can come in and offer the right support for that family at the right time,” she added.
Asma Al Azri, Executive Director of the Family Cases Sector at the Family Care Authority (FCA), said the authority plays an important role in protecting children through evidence-based approaches to responding to different forms of abuse and neglect.
Al Azri explained that the authority works with stakeholders across healthcare, the judicial system, education and the third sector to provide services tailored to the needs of each child and family.
“These services are designed and tailored to each individual case, based on the needs identified during the initial assessment. Ultimately, they all aim to achieve the best possible outcomes for children,” she said.
She added that coordination between the relevant entities helps ensure children are protected and feel safe, while their personal information and documents are handled with the highest levels of confidentiality.
Education also plays a central role in the system, particularly in identifying concerns within school environments and ensuring children have safe channels through which to seek help.
Rana Luqman, Education Advisor at the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), said the department focuses on strengthening prevention measures, professional training and rapid response mechanisms across schools.
“Our role in child protection under the Dama Al-Aman umbrella is to ensure that the right preventive protocols, training programmes and rapid response mechanisms are in place,” she said.
“Our aim is to create a safe community and safe school environments, while providing children with accessible and trusted channels through which they can reach out, speak up and share anything that may be worrying them or placing their safety and protection at risk.”
The integrated system is supported by the Dama Al-Aman Child Protection Policy, launched in November 2023 and endorsed by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Grounded in Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, known as Wadeema’s Law, the policy establishes clear responsibilities and coordination mechanisms among the entities involved in protecting children.
More than 400 child protection specialists have been trained, while dedicated training programmes have also reached professionals across education, healthcare and social services to strengthen their ability to recognise concerns and respond effectively.
The system also includes the Family Care Authority’s Child Centre, which brings together social, healthcare, education and prosecution services to provide coordinated support and case management for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
As part of the new campaign, awareness activities will be rolled out across schools, community majlises, digital platforms and traditional media over the coming months.
A dedicated Dama Al-Aman website, www.damaalaman.ae, also provides families, community members and professionals with practical resources, guidance and information on reporting concerns.
Members of the public can report suspected child abuse or neglect through the Ministry of Interior's Child Protection Hotline on 116111 or the Family Care Authority's hotline on 800444, both available around the clock.
In emergencies involving immediate danger, Abu Dhabi Police can be contacted on 999.
The campaign reinforces the message that child protection extends beyond the responsibilities of specialised authorities, requiring families, educators, healthcare professionals and the wider community to remain attentive and act when a child may need help.