Today's Edition
AL AIN (ALETIHAD)
The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD) has held the second activation of Where Life Pulses initiative in Zakher District, Al Ain Region.
The event welcomed more than 6,000 visitors and highlighted community spirit.
By putting children and youth at the forefront of its community programming, it underscored the pivotal role communities assume in turning residential areas into hubs of positive engagement.
The event was attended by His Excellency Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Secretary General of Erth Zayed Philanthropies; His Excellency Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development; His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination; and Her Excellency Dr Mona Al Mansoori, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, along with a number of officials from various entities and partners.
Held at Zakher Park, the activation featured youth-led entrepreneurial stalls and projects, supported by families and community members.
Visitors also took part in interactive challenges, live performances, food and beverage offerings, and creative workshops.
A key feature of the Zakher stop was a dedicated workshop area, which hosted more than 12 creative workshops across the event, including coffee painting, canvas art, bracelet making, clay modelling, origami, and tote bag painting.
The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, also contributed to the programme.
Featuring Arabic calligraphy, decoupage, and nature-inspired handicrafts, the activities were presented as part of the Proud of the UAE initiative, which aims to strengthen community connection to national identity, heritage, and Emirati values.
The event also included daily bubble shows on the Where Life Pulses stage, along with face painting and balloon art.
The initiative focused on community engagement through interactive games, such as Jenga, hopscotch, and labyrinth challenges, supporting a spirit of friendly competition and family bonding.
Fatema Abdulrahman Al Hosani, Director of Social Cohesion at the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, said, “The enthusiasm and engagement observed in Zakher is a clear testament to how this initiative resonates with the community’s aspirations and reflects the desire of local communities for active participation. We are seeing a noticeable increase in family cohesion and a greater turnout of youth presenting their experiences and projects with confidence at every stop. This truly embodies our vision: turning districts into sustainable, interactive environments that empower their residents to see themselves as the true foundation of a vibrant and cohesive community.”
Al Hosani, added that engagement in Zakher demonstrated that communities naturally champion initiatives that speak to their heritage. She further stated: “Our partners brought a unique depth to the experience, successfully weaving the entrepreneurial ambitions and creative skills of our youth into the fabric of our national heritage and traditional crafts, ultimately nurturing a sense of belonging and reinforcing community bonds.”
“The initiative underscores the value of bringing public spaces to life as places of connection and interaction, reflecting DCD’s commitment to empowering families and elevating quality of life across Abu Dhabi.”
Central to the Zakher stop’s success was a strategic partnership with key Abu Dhabi entities.
While the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), via the Municipal Presence Centre, and Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) drove community and student engagement, the Department of Economic Development (DED) empowered young entrepreneurs through licensing, and the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority contributed by integrating social support beneficiaries into the entrepreneurs’ projects.
The initiative was further sustained by funding from the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an, and the strategic sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), in addition to support from various other partners.
It also hosted a platform for the Madeem initiative and the Emirati Family Growth Programme.
Where Life Pulses will continue in 2026, with upcoming activations planned across several residential districts in Abu Dhabi.
Each stop will be tailored to the character and identity of the host district, with activities designed to reflect residents’ interests and encourage community participation.
The Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi invites all families and youth in the emirate to connect with its official channels to keep track of the latest updates and upcoming event dates, and learn how they can take part in the activities planned for the districts in Abu Dhabi in the upcoming period.
