Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi has launched a new framework on Thursday that puts families at the centre of urban planning, setting out how neighbourhoods, public spaces, services and the wider built environment can better respond to their needs.
The Cities for Families Framework, unveiled at LIVEX 2026 during the UAE’s Year of Family, sets out five goals, 15 strategies and 63 practical actions to guide planning, policy, investment and service delivery across the emirate.
The framework, which is the first of its kind in the region, aims to ensure the needs of families, children, caregivers, seniors and people of determination are considered from the earliest stages of community development.
Its priorities include making communities easier to navigate, bringing services closer to homes, improving accessibility and creating public spaces that work for people of different ages and abilities.
It was unveiled by Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT); Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD); and Dr Yousef Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Knowledge and Impact Sector at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA).
The framework was developed over two years under an Inclusive City Memorandum of Understanding signed by the three entities covering people of determination, seniors and families.
Its development included a review of existing practices in Abu Dhabi, including the Disability Friendly Cities & Communities Framework developed by DCD with government and private-sector partners, alongside international practices.
The new framework will be implemented through a phased roadmap being developed with government entities and other stakeholders, with the aim of translating its objectives into measurable outcomes across Abu Dhabi.
Dr Al Hammadi said the framework was intended to make everyday life easier for families, from accessing services and moving around the city to finding safe places to play and spend time together.
“We want families to feel that the city works for them,” Dr Al Hammadi added.
“The Cities for Families Framework gives us a practical way to turn this ambition into action. Through it, we can make changes that families can see and feel in their everyday lives. Because when we design cities with families in mind, we create better places for everyone.”
Dr Layla Al Hayas, Executive Director of the Family and Child Welfare Sector at DCD, said the framework connects social development priorities with urban planning and supports the development of neighbourhoods, public spaces and services around family needs.
Noura Al Ameri, Acting Executive Director of the Policies and Built Environment Sector at the Urban Planning and Permits Centre, added that the framework will help incorporate family needs into planning considerations, policies and practical requirements throughout community development. “By placing families at the heart of planning from the earliest stages, we can take a more holistic view of what makes everyday life easier and more convenient,” she said.
The framework is being launched during the UAE’s Year of Family 2026, with ECA bringing together representatives from 19 government and private-sector organisations at LIVEX 2026 to identify priority areas and potential pilot initiatives.
The partners are expected to use the framework to test measures that can be applied across Abu Dhabi and translate its broader objectives into changes to neighbourhoods, services and public spaces.
