Page 145 - FDF PR REPORT - JUNE 2025 (ENGLISH)_Neat

His Excellency Ali Salem Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Family Development
Foundation (FDF), praised the unwavering support of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak,
Mother of the Nation, for recognising senior citizens as a vital pillar of society. His Excellency Al
Kaabi noted that Her Highness is committed to empowering them to continue contributing in an
environment that upholds their dignity and meets their evolving needs.

His Excellency Al Kaabi added that the Barakat Al Dar Club in Al Shiwayb serves as a pioneering
model of sustainable community care, offering comprehensive programmes and services that meet
the diverse needs of senior citizens across health, cultural, and recreational domains. This initiative
reflects the foundation’s commitment to the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership, which emphasises
social cohesion and intergenerational solidarity—ensuring continued contributions and valuing the
accumulated expertise of senior citizens.

His Excellency Al Kaabi emphasised that the foundation remains dedicated to launching innovative
programmes for senior citizens based on international best practices in integrated care. His
Excellency Al Kaabi commended the interactive activities and awareness programmes that reflect
the needs and aspirations of this demographic, enabling them to maintain a meaningful role in
society through strategic partnerships that ensure the delivery of inclusive, sustainable services.
These efforts aim to enhance seniors’ independence and elevate their overall quality of life.

Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development
Foundation, said: “The inauguration of the Barakat Al Dar Social Club at Al Shiwayb Centre reflects
the noble values upheld by our wise leadership, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, through various initiatives and development
projects. It also underscores the dedication of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother
of the Nation, to the wellbeing of senior citizens. Her Highness’s forward-looking vision focuses on
empowering seniors and enhancing their quality of life by providing a safe, encouraging
environment that allows them to continue giving and actively engage in society.”
Her Excellency Al Rumaithi emphasised that the Barakat Al Dar Club is one of the foundation’s key
initiatives as part of its broader strategy to offer comprehensive and sustainable services for senior
citizens. As of 14 May 2025, the Barakat Al Dar Clubs had 3,536 registered members, and a total of
85,841 individuals had participated in and benefited from club activities across Abu Dhabi.
Her Excellency Al Rumaithi further highlighted that the club delivers a wide range of programmes
tailored to the health, psychological, and social needs of seniors. These programmes help promote
their integration into society, capitalise on their experience to support future generations, and
strengthen intergenerational respect and communication.

Her Excellency Al Rumaithi also explained that the selection of Al Shiwayb was based on a
comprehensive field study that assessed the needs of senior citizens in the region and identified
priority areas for development and services. The findings indicated an urgent need for a fully
equipped social club that delivers tailored services to this demographic, leading the foundation to
implement the project in a way that meets local needs and ensures balanced service provision
across the emirate.

https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/community/under-the-patronage-of-sheikha-fatima-bint-
mubarak-family-development-foundation-inaugurates-barakat-al-dar-social-club-for-senior-
citizens-and-residents-at-al-shiwayb-center/