Page 148 - FDF PR REPORT - JUNE 2025 (ENGLISH)_Neat

Ali Salem Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Family Development Foundation (FDF),
praised the unwavering support of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, for
recognising senior citizens as a vital pillar of society.
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.

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.

Al Kaabi emphasised that the foundation remains dedicated to launching innovative programmes
for senior citizens based on international best practices in integrated care.
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.

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 President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, through various initiatives and development projects. It also underscores the dedication of
H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, to the wellbeing of senior citizens. Her
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.”
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 14th 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.
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.

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.wam.ae/en/article/bk315ea-fdf-inaugurates-barakat-dar-social-club-for-senior