Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi unveils key services under 'Barakatna' Initiative

Al Etihad

23-04-2025

23 Apr 2025 23:36
ABU DHABI (WAM)The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD), in partnership with the Family Development Foundation, has unveiled six key services and programs under the Barakatna initiative.Designed to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens and their caregivers, the initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi's integrated community care ecosystem while fostering family and social cohesion.The launch aligns with the objectives of the UAE's Year of Community, emphasising holistic support for families. It also reflects the leadership's vision of placing senior citizens at the heart of society in recognition of their lifelong contributions to nation-building, and reaffirms Abu Dhabi's commitment to a compassionate and inclusive social development model.Barakatna is one of the strategic initiatives led by the DCD, developed in close coordination with key government partners in the Emirate. It is grounded in the DCD's proactive approach to identifying societal needs and challenges through studies, surveys, and other social monitoring tools.The Family Development Foundation is responsible for overseeing the implementation of services, in collaboration with a network of entities that includes the Department of Government Enablement, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, and PureHealth.Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, stated that the Barakatna initiative reflects the deep-rooted values of Emirati society, and embodies the leadership's commitment to the wellbeing of senior citizens within a strong, supportive family and community environment.'We designed this initiative following an in-depth review of the challenges facing caregivers, and with the goal of easing their daily burden and empowering them to carry out their noble responsibilities toward their parents. It is about helping them strike a healthy balance between work and family life. Family caregiving is not just a duty—it is a living expression of loyalty and a foundation for a cohesive, resilient society," Dr. Al Khaili said.The initiative offers six integrated services. Among them is the Temporary Alternative Care for Senior Citizens, implemented by the Family Development Foundation. This service allows primary caregivers to request temporary care for elderly parents who are unable to care for themselves, and require ongoing assistance. Care is provided for up to eight hours per day, once per week, for a total of 48 days per year, enabling caregivers to attend to personal responsibilities, spend time with their families, and ease the demands of daily life.Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, emphasised that the Foundation operates under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the 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 the Family Development Foundation (FDF). She noted that the Foundation is committed to providing a comprehensive psychosocial support system for senior citizens, enhancing their abilities, and ensuring their full integration into society.'The Barakatna initiative contributes to improving the quality of life for caregivers by offering practical, tailored solutions that reflect their day-to-day reality. By supervising the implementation of these services, the Foundation seeks to strengthen family cohesion and promote a culture of shared responsibility—advancing Abu Dhabi's broader goals for a more inclusive, compassionate, and sustainable society," Al Rumaithi said.The Government Empowerment Authority is offering the 'Approval for Flexible Working Systems for Caregivers of Parents', which allows caregivers to obtain a formal certificate granting them access to flexible work policies within government entities. This enables them to balance their professional and caregiving responsibilities more effectively.Ahmad Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Government Empowerment Authority – Abu Dhabi, stated, "This initiative underscores the government's commitment to senior citizens, and toward supporting caregivers in the workplace. Through our partnership with the Department of Community Development, we aim to establish flexible, forward-thinking policies that enhance social cohesion and empower employees to care for their parents through proactive services.'The Department of Municipalities and Transport is offering the 'Additional Units for Special Cases' approval service, allowing families to make structural modifications to their homes in order to create dedicated, private, and comfortable living spaces for senior family members.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of both the Department of Municipalities and Transport and the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, described Barakatna as "a practical solution for developing advanced residential infrastructure tailored to meet the needs of senior citizens, while also enabling caregivers to fulfill their responsibilities in a comprehensive and supportive way".
"Our approach focuses on building sustainable, family-centric communities that elevate the quality of life for all residents," Al Shorafa said.The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority is offering three additional services:-'Home Improvements for Senior Citizens' service to renovate and upgrade living facilities for senior citizens according to safety and comfort standards-'Extension of the Repayment Period of Housing Loans' approval service to extend the repayment period for housing loans by an additional five years, reducing the financial pressure on caregivers-'Selling and Buying Housing Grants for Children's Proximity to Parents' to allow families to relocate closer to one another, fostering family unity and creating more supportive environments for seniors, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.Hamad Hareb Al-Muhairi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, expressed his pride in the Authority's contribution to the initiative."We value the continuous guidance of our leadership in ensuring comprehensive care for senior citizens. Through Barakatna, we are committed to offering flexible housing solutions that reflect the realities of caregivers, support family stability, and promote greater social wellbeing," Al-Muhairi said.
The Department of Community Development affirms that Barakatna marks the beginning of a broader framework of family-focused policies and programmes aimed at empowering Emirati households, and at supporting diverse social segments, ensuring continued social development and enhanced quality of life throughout the Emirate.