Family Development Foundation inaugurates new Barakat Al Dar social clubs in Al Ain and Al Sila'

The Family Development Foundation (FDF) has inaugurated two new Barakat Al Dar social clubs in Al Ain and Al Sila’ to promote the wellbeing of senior citizens and enhance their overall quality of life.

The Barakat Al Dar social clubs aim to encourage senior citizens and residents to actively engage in activities that contribute to improving their family and community bonds, while also providing comprehensive care and fostering an environment of respect and dignity. The efforts align with the Family Development Foundation’s commitment to elevating the quality of life of senior citizens, ensuring their happiness and continued participation in society.

The inauguration of the clubs was attended by His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi (DCD), and Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of FDF. Various directors general from Abu Dhabi Government, senior officials, strategic partners, representatives from both public and private organisations, the FDF staff, and senior citizens also participated in the inaugural event.

His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili praised the FDF for its dedication to creating specialised social clubs for senior citizens. The clubs offer proactive programmes and community initiatives that promote the inclusion of senior citizens in social activities and encourage their active involvement in the lives of younger generations. The clubs serve as comprehensive platforms for social care and empower senior citizens to actively participate in their family and community surroundings.

His Excellency said that the Barakat Al Dar clubs are part of ongoing efforts to continually improve the quality of life of families in Abu Dhabi, with a particular emphasis on senior citizens. The initiatives align with the UAE’s goals of promoting societal welfare and fostering stronger family bonds, reflecting the crucial contribution of families to sustainable development.

His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of DCD, said: “This initiative aligns with the vision of our wise leadership, who place considerable importance on this crucial category. With the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, there is an ongoing effort to ensure comprehensive care and support for them. Such efforts protect the welfare and dignity of senior citizens, thereby enhancing their sense of stability and happiness.

“The initiative underscores the significance of integrated services, enabling citizens to maintain their esteemed role in society while continuing their valuable contributions. Our commitment is unwavering in delivering the highest standards of care and services that pay tribute to, and value, the generation of parents and grandparents, who have been, and continue to be, the foundational pillars of our nation.”

Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of FDF, said: “We are proud to launch Barakat Al Dar social clubs in Al Ain and Al Sila', which provide senior citizens and residents with comprehensive social care. This is made possible through the constant support of our wise leadership, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, who relentlessly strives to provide this important segment of the society with complete care and assistance.

“Establishing these clubs is in keeping with the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, who aims to provide services that improve the well-being of senior citizens and facilitate their integration into society. Her Highness’s continuous guidance strengthens the Foundation’s efforts and aligns with its strategic objective of assisting families, with a special emphasis on senior citizens. With this focus, the foundation solidifies its position as the leading organisation responsible for the welfare of senior citizens in Abu Dhabi and guarantees that they are given the highest priority and attention. As the guardian of their well-being, the foundation guarantees access to an extensive range of services, including social, health, psychological, sports, educational, and entertainment services, alongside digital qualifications.”

Her Excellency said that the UAE has made significant progress in providing for its senior citizens, which is indicative of the humanitarian and cultural ideals that characterise Emirati culture and its deep-rooted respect and honour for its forefathers, recognising their efforts and contributions to the development of the country. Her Excellency emphasised that FDF remains steadfast in its commitment to providing support and services that aim to guarantee the well-being of senior citizens and residents.

The inauguration of Barakat Al Dar social clubs coincides with the organisation of the seventh Senior Citizens and Residents Social Forum 2024 under the theme Enhancing the Quality of Life for Senior Citizens, which will take place across all FDF centres. The initiatives are led by a qualified and trained team across various fields, who aim to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of the senior population. The clubs offer proactive services, including community initiatives designed to improve the quality of life for senior citizens.

Her Excellency said the UAE’s continuous efforts in providing complete care and respect for senior citizens and residents reflects their invaluable role in building the nation, and noted that the 2024 World Happiness Report, which ranks countries and generations by their levels of happiness, revealed that senior citizens in the UAE are among the happiest, with the nation ranked 22nd globally. Senior citizens are key to maintaining family cohesion and social harmony, and FDF’s care for them is part of its goals inspired by the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation.

Her Excellency said she was deeply appreciative of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, whose guidance continues to drive the success of FDF. The foundation’s ongoing achievements support the country’s efforts and bolster its social leadership, with the aim of ensuring family stability and societal cohesion under the wise leadership of the UAE.

Her Excellency also said the continuous efforts of His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili have laid the foundation for support structures that promote the stability and well-being of senior citizens and residents in society, while the staff of FDF have been key to implementing plans, projects and programmes aimed at enhancing the psychological and social well-being of senior citizens.