The Family Care Authority (FCA), in collaboration with the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), has delivered a series of nature-inspired therapy events for community members throughout a year-long partnership, which stemmed from an agreement signed between FCA and UICCA at COP28.
The innovative activities leveraged nature as a platform for therapy to bring the Abu Dhabi community closer to their environment and heritage, while promoting mental wellbeing and social connection. The series marked a first-of-its-kind collaboration between FCA and UICCA, showcasing how nature-based interventions can foster social bonds, intergenerational connections, and personal healing.
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of UICCA, said: “At UICCA, we strongly believe that nature has a unique power to connect people with their purpose and heritage, inspiring creativity along the way. Our partnership with FCA exemplifies our shared commitment to raising awareness and fostering a deeper appreciation for Abu Dhabi’s unique and beautiful natural sites. By combining our expertise, we have been able to deliver innovative, impactful experiences that not only highlight the importance of environmental stewardship, but also demonstrate how nature can be a powerful tool for personal growth and community wellbeing. Through these events, we aim to inspire individuals to embrace sustainable living while forging meaningful connections with one another and with the natural world.”
Her Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, Director-General of FCA, said: “At the Family Care Authority, our mission is to empower families and individuals by providing comprehensive and integrated services that promote stability and resilience. Through impactful partnerships with the private sector, such as our collaboration with UICCA, we are exploring innovative ways to leverage Abu Dhabi's rich natural heritage and environment to enhance family wellbeing.
“The nature-inspired activations we hosted demonstrate our commitment to delivering services that meet the evolving needs of our community while utilising local natural resources to help reconnect individuals with their roots. These initiatives foster a sense of balance and connection to the environment, encouraging people to embrace nature as a powerful source of healing and therapy. By integrating nature into our programmes, we promote inclusion, ensuring that families and individuals of all ages, including those facing diverse social challenges and barriers, can engage with the universal world of nature around us.
“This work aligns closely with our efforts to support the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Wellbeing Strategy, enhancing quality of life and overall family wellbeing in our community.”
The year-long initiative included four distinct events that highlighted the therapeutic and grounding power of nature. The series began with Suhoor Under the Stars, held at Qasr Al Muwaiji in Al Ain, featuring Emirati Chef Aysha Al AlObeidli. The sustainable, community-centred outdoor Ramadan experience taught participants about the origins of local produce and the importance of consuming and purchasing locally to enhance wellbeing, improve the local economy, reduce illness, and minimise environmental impact. This was followed by Room to Bloom, led by Emirati gardening and agriculture expert Amna Al Shamsi at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. The wellness-meets-sustainability experience introduced participants to the fundamentals of tending to the earth, including planting their own starter plant.
The series continued with Urban Forest Therapy, a workshop held under the trees at Al Fay Park in Abu Dhabi and led by Emirati artist Faris Al Hammadi. Senior citizen participants and youth volunteers came together to explore the healing potential of green spaces while engaging in therapeutic painting activities. The programme concluded with the Desert Stargazing experience at Pura Eco Retreat at Jebel Hafit in Al Ain, which was led by Emirati Meshal Al Mutairi from the Emirates Astronomical Observatory. Participants connected with heritage through astronomy, storytelling, and poetry while discovering the natural wonders of the desert landscape.
