Page 161 - FDF PR REPORT - JUNE 2025 (ENGLISH)_Neat

6/9/25, 11:07 AM FDF inaugurates Barakat Al Dar Social Club for senior citizens, residents at Al Shiwayb Centre – UAE Business and Travel Insights …
It also offers integrated social services to enhance their quality of life, empower them to access services through
technology, and build the knowledge and skills of their families and caregivers.

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.

Wafa Mohammed Al Ali, Director of the Family Development Department at FDF, reaffirmed the foundation’s
commitment to strengthening its social role through purposeful and strategic partnerships with public and private

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