Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, has underlined the UAE's commitment to improving the quality of life of the country's senior citizens and strengthening the family unit, saying they are at the “forefront of our efforts”.
Sheikha Fatima, chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, said key steps had been taken under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed to bolster social welfare legislation.
“Families and senior citizens, both Emirati and residents, will continue to be at the forefront of our efforts, and we will enhance our assistance for them,” Sheikha Fatima said.
“Our dedication is to implement more initiatives that improve their standard of living through an integrated and sustainable social care system.
“Our efforts will be focused on meeting their needs, achieving their goals, and offering them intellectual and emotional support. We aim to provide a healthy and enriching lifestyle by fostering psychological and mental well-being.”
Sheikha Fatima referenced the results of the 2024 World Happiness Report, which revealed that senior citizens are among the happiest demographic in the UAE.
Long-term vision
The Emirates is prioritising social welfare policies as it seeks to meet the needs of a growing population and adapt to a gradual transition towards an older demographic.
The government set out a road map to enhancing the lives of senior citizens in 2018.
The National Policy for Senior Emiratis was approved by the UAE Cabinet with the aim of ensuring elderly Emiratis remain active members of society and have access to essential services.
The policy was built upon seven main components: health care, community involvement and active life, effective civic participation, infrastructure and transportation, financial stability, safety and security and quality of life.
Initiatives included medical training for caregivers and forming provide basic health insurance plans for senior citizens across the country are part of the components dubbed the “healthcare hub”.
Last week, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced the establishment of a Ministry of Family, with Sana Suhail confirmed as the first Minister of Family.
In November, the UAE announced a Dh500 million community initiative focused on the well-being of senior citizens, women and children through community councils that provide comprehensive social services across the UAE.
Key support is also offered to older members of society through the various housing aid packages delivered each year.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, in November approved the third housing benefit package of the year, valued at more than Dh7.72 billion, to 5,374 Emiratis.
The package includes housing loans totalling more than Dh3.569 billion, helping 2,373 citizens. It also includes residential land and housing grants worth Dh3.67 billion, benefiting 2,540 citizens, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.
Additionally, senior citizens, retirees with low incomes and the families of deceased citizens have been exempted from housing loan payments amounting to more than Dh486 million. This exemption has benefited 461 citizens.
