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4/24/25, 11:29 AM Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi unveils key services under 'Barakatna' Initiative - Aletihad News Center
ABU DHABI (WAM)

The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD), in partnership with the Family Development
Foundation, has unveiled six key services and programs under the Barakatna initiative.

Designed to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens and their caregivers, the initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi’s
integrated community care ecosystem while fostering family and social cohesion.

The launch aligns with the objectives of the UAE's Year of Community, emphasising holistic support for families. It also

reflects the leadership’s vision of placing senior citizens at the heart of society in recognition of their lifelong
contributions to nation-building, and reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s commitment to a compassionate and inclusive social
development model.

Barakatna is one of the strategic initiatives led by the DCD, developed in close coordination with key government
partners in the Emirate. It is grounded in the DCD’s proactive approach to identifying societal needs and challenges

through studies, surveys, and other social monitoring tools.

The Family Development Foundation is responsible for overseeing the implementation of services, in collaboration

with a network of entities that includes the Department of Government Enablement, the Department of Municipalities
and Transport, the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, and PureHealth.

Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, stated that the Barakatna
initiative reflects the deep-rooted values of Emirati society, and embodies the leadership’s commitment to the wellbeing

of senior citizens within a strong, supportive family and community environment.

“We designed this initiative following an in-depth review of the challenges facing caregivers, and with the goal of
easing their daily burden and empowering them to carry out their noble responsibilities toward their parents. It is about
helping them strike a healthy balance between work and family life. Family caregiving is not just a duty—it is a living

expression of loyalty and a foundation for a cohesive, resilient society," Dr. Al Khaili said.

The initiative offers six integrated services. Among them is the Temporary Alternative Care for Senior Citizens,

implemented by the Family Development Foundation. This service allows primary caregivers to request temporary
care for elderly parents who are unable to care for themselves, and require ongoing assistance. Care is provided for
up to eight hours per day, once per week, for a total of 48 days per year, enabling caregivers to attend to personal

responsibilities, spend time with their families, and ease the demands of daily life.

Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, emphasised that the
Foundation operates under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation,

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