Page 77 - FDF PR REPORT - JUNE 2025 (ENGLISH)_Neat

6/16/25, 11:33 AM Under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak FDF launches ‘Let Us Protect Our Elders with Love' guide duri…

Under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint

Mubarak FDF launches ‘Let Us Protect Our Elders with
Love' guide during a press conference

Abu Dhabi, June 13, 2024: The Family Development Foundation (FDF) launched a guide titled ‘Let Us Protect Our Elders with
Love,’ under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ‘Mother of the Nation,’ Chairwoman of the General
Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of FDF.
The launch was held during a press conference at the Foundation’s Abu Dhabi Centre.
The guide aims to raise awareness on the significance of offering respectful care for senior citizens and underscore the key
principles that ensure they lead an honourable life that is defined by appreciation, inclusion and active engagement within the
family and society.
In conjunction with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the press conference paved the way to raise community awareness on
the challenges faced by elderly people while highlighting the pivotal role of families in ensuring a safe, compassionate
environment that positively contributes to their mental and physical well-being. Furthermore, the event strengthened the long-
term values of loyalty, gratitude and intergenerational solidarity.
The conference was attended by H.E. Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the FDF; H.E. Abdulrahman Al
Baloushi, Director of the Strategic Planning and Institutional Development Department; H.E. Saeed Al Ghafli, Director of Support
Services Department; and H.E. Wafa Al Ali, Director of the Family Development Department at FDF. Also in attendance were a
number of the Foundation’s social experts, strategic partners, representatives from partner entities, media professionals, and
senior citizens.
H.E. Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of FDF, said: “The ‘Let Us Protect Our Elders with Love’ guide is a
testament to our unwavering commitment to protect senior citizens and highlight our strong belief in providing them respectful,
compassionate and psychologically aware care. The guide is designed by combining diverse expertise and knowledge and it
stands as an educational reference that sheds light on unintentionally harmful emotional behaviours that may negatively impact
the peaceful lives of elderly people. Furthermore, it offers positive alternatives that reinforce genuine human connection and
contribute to creating a safer and more nurturing environment for our elders. Here, we are not only launching a guide but also
delivering a sincere message of love and gratitude. Today, we are reaffirming our pledge to those who illuminated our paths and
fostering a culture of empathy and appreciation across every home and institution.”
In addition, H.E. Al Rumaithi stated that respecting elderly people and valuing their lifelong contributions is an approach deeply
inspired by the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the
UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, who places great significance on instilling the values of loyalty and national recognition. H.E. Al
Rumaithi reaffirmed that FDF will continue to progress under the visionary guidance of H.H. Sheikha Fatima, ‘Mother of the
Nation,’ whose relentless commitment to acknowledging and honouring those who have devoted their lives to serving the
country, which is based on the belief that nation-building is incomplete without safeguarding the dignity of those who contributed
to its growth over the years. She also extended her heartfelt gratitude to H.H. Sheikha Fatima for her kind support and
continuous care for senior citizens, a gesture that reflects the highest standards of loyalty and generosity and strengthens the
principles of compassion and appreciation within Emirati society.
In addition, H.E. Al Rumaithi expressed her confidence in the content included in the guide, which depicts a robust
humanitarian and social commitment to the dignified segment of our society, who have committed their lives to supporting and
developing this nation. The guide aims to raise awareness on subtle and unintentional forms of emotional ill-treatment that may
occur in everyday life or actions with good intentions that may mentally hurt those who deserve utmost respect and
appreciation. H.E. also pointed out that the guide offers a comprehensive set of positive behavioural alternatives that nurture a
more inclusive family and community environment while boosting the psychological well-being of elderly people. The guide’s
content also aligns with our core values and the nation’s vision for safeguarding the dignity and prosperity of individuals at every
stage of life.
Furthermore, H.E. Al Rumaithi said that through the ‘Let Us Protect Our Elders with Love’ guide, FDF seeks to take a significant
step towards raising community awareness on emotional care for senior citizens. It also aims to highlight the importance of
understanding well-intentioned practices that might unintentionally leave deep psychological impact, while fostering a family and
community environment based on the pillars of respect, love and genuine appreciation for the experience and wisdom of the
elderly. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of meaningful communication, attentive listening without preconceived
assumptions and reinforcing their sense of value and belonging. The guide was designed considering the unique traits of their

https://www.dubaiprnetwork.com/pr.asp?pr=185917 1/2