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Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and known as the Mother of the Emirates, visited the Family Development Foundation to review its services and programs supporting elderly citizens. The visit underscored her commitment to enhancing elderly care services and improving quality of life for families across the UAE.
During the visit, Sheikha Fatima was received by Maryam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, along with senior officials. The visit came in the context of amendments to Law No. 11 of 2006, modified by Law No. 12 of 2024, which expanded the Foundation’s mandate to provide comprehensive care for elderly citizens.
Comprehensive Strategy for Elderly Care Services
The Mother of the Emirates reviewed the Foundation’s institutional transformation project aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery. According to foundation officials, the strategy focuses on meeting the evolving needs of families and elderly citizens through updated frameworks and sustainable practices.
Additionally, Sheikha Fatima praised the Foundation’s five-year strategy built on three main priorities. These include achieving comprehensive quality of life for elderly citizens, enhancing family stability through effective parental support, and enabling institutional excellence through capacity building in human resources, technology, and media.
New Initiatives Launched for Year of the Family
In conjunction with the UAE’s Year of the Family, Sheikha Fatima launched several community initiatives. The “Hikmah wa Sanad” (Wisdom and Support) initiative promotes intergenerational communication and emphasizes the role of elderly citizens in transferring experiences and values to younger generations.
Furthermore, the “Sanad wa Hikmah” initiative supports youth approaching marriage by leveraging the wisdom and guidance of grandparents and parents. The initiative aims to reinforce family stability and build bridges of understanding between generations while encouraging childbirth and preserving inherited wisdom.
Healthcare and Social Programs for Senior Citizens
The Mother of the Emirates commended the “Barakatna” initiative launched by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to foundation representatives, the initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development and includes “Nabd Barakatna” and “Barakatna Clinic” to enhance home care services for elderly citizens.
Meanwhile, Sheikha Fatima praised the “Safe Home” initiative, which establishes standards for creating safe home environments for elderly citizens. The initiative ensures their safety, stability, and quality of life through specific mechanisms and guidelines.
Digital and Media Initiatives
Among the new initiatives is “Barakatna Podcast,” a specialized audio platform focusing on family stability and intergenerational communication. The platform features quality content highlighting elderly citizens’ experiences and success stories in marriage and child-rearing, supporting awareness among youth and families.
In contrast, the “Fi Usratna Barakah” (Blessing in Our Family) campaign aims to enhance the status of elderly citizens within Emirati families. The awareness initiative promotes respect and inclusion between generations while enabling families to understand and support elderly participation in community life.
Interactive Family Programs
The “Madi Ahlna” (Our People’s Past) initiative represents an innovative family game inspired by local heritage and authentic values. According to the foundation, this interactive social initiative allows elderly citizens to share life experiences and stories, deepening belonging and mutual respect between generations.
Moreover, the “Mafnoud” initiative empowers elderly citizens by providing spaces that unleash their creative abilities. The program revives traditional crafts with a contemporary spirit while maintaining authenticity, offering sustainable opportunities for production and community participation.
Leadership Support and Future Vision
Ali Salem Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Family Development Foundation’s Board of Trustees, stated that Sheikha Fatima’s visit represents an important milestone in family and community work. According to Al Kaabi, the visit embodies a steadfast leadership approach placing family at the forefront of national priorities.
However, Maryam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, emphasized that the unlimited support from the Mother of the Emirates is rooted in an authentic humanitarian approach. She indicated that the visit coincides with the Foundation’s 20-year journey of serving families and society.
The foundation will continue developing and implementing these initiatives throughout the Year of the Family, with ongoing monitoring expected to assess their impact on elderly citizens and family cohesion. Authorities have not yet announced specific timelines for evaluating program outcomes, though implementation is already underway across various community sectors.
