Latest news with #Barakatna
TAG 91.1
24-04-2025
- Health
- TAG 91.1
Temporary care support for UAE senior citizens under 'Barakatna'
Temporary care when families are unavailable and home improvements are among six new services launched under Abu Dhabi's 'Barakatna' initiative to enhance care for Emirati senior citizens. Approval for flexible working for caregivers, additional units for special cases, extension on home loan repayment and specialised housing grants for families are among the other services. It's designed to promote family cohesion and quality of life. UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan launched the 'Barakatna' initiative earlier this week as capital city works to improve home care services for seniors and supporting caregivers. 'Barakatna' is grounded in the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD)'s approach to identifying societal needs and challenges through studies, surveys and other social monitoring tools. "We designed this initiative following an in-depth review of the challenges facing caregivers, with the goal of easing their daily burdens and empowering them to carry out their noble responsibilities toward their parents," said Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development. "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." Six key services The temporary care support is provided for up to 8 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. Flexible work policies within government allows caregivers to obtain a formal certificate enabling them to balance their professional and caregiving responsibilities more effectively. Structural modifications to homes allow families to create dedicated, private and comfortable living spaces for senior family members. Specialised housing grants allow families to live closer to one another and extend the repayment period for housing loans by an additional five years to reduce financial pressure on caregivers.
Al Bawaba
24-04-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi Unveils Key Services Under 'Barakatna' Initiative
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 'Year of Community,' emphasizing 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 Department of Community Development, developed in close coordination with key government partners in the Emirate. It is grounded in the Department'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, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center, and PureHealth. His Excellency 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, with the goal of easing their daily burdens 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.' The initiative offers six integrated services. Among them is to Obtain 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 8 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. Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, emphasized that the Foundation operates under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood – 'Mother of the Nation.' 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,' she said. '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.' The Government Empowerment Authority is offering to Obtain Approval for Flexible Working Systems for Caregivers of their 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. His Excellency 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 to 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 a service to Additional Units for Special Cases Approval, allowing families to make structural modifications to their homes in order to create dedicated, private, and comfortable living spaces for senior family members. His Excellency 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.' The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority is offering three additional services under the initiative: Obtain Home Improvements for Senior Citizens, to renovate and upgrade living facilities for senior citizens according to safety and comfort standards. Obtaining Approval to Extend the Repayment Period of Housing Loans, extending the repayment period for housing loans by an additional five years to reduce financial pressure on caregivers. Selling and Buying Housing Grants for Children's Proximity to Parents, allowing families to relocate closer to one another to foster family unity and create more supportive environments for seniors, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center. His Excellency 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. The Department of Community Development affirms that 'Barakatna' marks the beginning of a broader framework of family-focused policies and programs aimed at empowering Emirati households and supporting diverse social segments—ensuring continued social development and enhancing quality of life throughout the Emirate.
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi unveils key services under 'Barakatna' initiative
Abu Dhabi: 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 'Year of Community,' emphasizing 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 Department of Community Development, developed in close coordination with key government partners in the Emirate. It is grounded in the Department'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, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center, and PureHealth. His Excellency 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, with the goal of easing their daily burdens 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.' The initiative offers six integrated services. Among them is to Obtain 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 8 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. Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, emphasized that the Foundation operates under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood – 'Mother of the Nation.' 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,' she said. '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.' The Government Empowerment Authority is offering to Obtain Approval for Flexible Working Systems for Caregivers of their 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. His Excellency 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 to 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 a service to Additional Units for Special Cases Approval, allowing families to make structural modifications to their homes in order to create dedicated, private, and comfortable living spaces for senior family members. His Excellency 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.' The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority is offering three additional services under the initiative: Obtain Home Improvements for Senior Citizens, to renovate and upgrade living facilities for senior citizens according to safety and comfort standards. Obtaining Approval to Extend the Repayment Period of Housing Loans, extending the repayment period for housing loans by an additional five years to reduce financial pressure on caregivers. Selling and Buying Housing Grants for Children's Proximity to Parents, allowing families to relocate closer to one another to foster family unity and create more supportive environments for seniors, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center. His Excellency 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. The Department of Community Development affirms that 'Barakatna' marks the beginning of a broader framework of family-focused policies and programs aimed at empowering Emirati households and supporting diverse social segments ensuring continued social development and enhancing quality of life throughout the Emirate.
TAG 91.1
24-04-2025
- Health
- TAG 91.1
'Barakatna' initiative introduces six new services and programmes
The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD), in partnership with the Family Development Foundation, revealed six services and programs under the 'Barakatna' Initiative. Designed to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens and their caregivers, the 'Barakatna' Initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi's integrated community care ecosystem while fostering family and social cohesion. It is grounded in the Department's approach to identifying societal needs and challenges through studies, surveys, and other social monitoring tools. 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, with the goal of easing their daily burdens 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.' The initiative offers six integrated services. Among them is to Obtain 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 8 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. The Government Empowerment Authority is offering to Obtain Approval for Flexible Working Systems for Caregivers of their 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. The Department of Municipalities and Transport is offering a service to Additional Units for Special Cases Approval, allowing families to make structural modifications to their homes in order to create dedicated, private, and comfortable living spaces for senior family members. The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority is offering three additional services under the initiative: - Obtain Home Improvements for Senior Citizens, to renovate and upgrade living facilities for senior citizens according to safety and comfort standards. - Obtaining Approval to Extend the Repayment Period of Housing Loans, extending the repayment period for housing loans by an additional five years to reduce financial pressure on caregivers. - Selling and Buying Housing Grants for Children's Proximity to Parents, allowing families to relocate closer to one another to foster family unity and create more supportive environments for seniors, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center. The Department of Community Development affirms that 'Barakatna' marks the beginning of a broader framework of family-focused policies and programs aimed at empowering Emirati households and supporting diverse social segments — ensuring continued social development and enhancing quality of life throughout the Emirate.
Al Etihad
23-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Respect, care, inclusion: A look into the UAE's commitment to empowering senior citizens
24 Apr 2025 01:30 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)In the UAE, the elderly are referred to as 'senior citizens' — a term that reflects the country's deep respect for those who are regarded as pillars of wisdom, experience, and cultural heritage. Seniors remain at the heart of the country's development, with their rights and wellbeing protected as part of the UAE Centennial Plan 2071. An integrated system of initiatives ensure that those above the age of 60 receive the care, support, and recognition that they deserve. The newly launched Barakatna initiative reaffirms a national mission to prioritise holistic care for seniors. Beyond providing the essentials, the programme empowers the elderly, upholds their privacy and independence, guarantees their access to services and information, and bolsters their connections with their families. Barakatna strengthens the UAE's long-held commitment to making sure seniors lead a dignified life. The National Policy for Senior Emiratis, introduced in 2018, encompasses all such efforts with its seven pillars: healthcare, civic participation, community life, infrastructure, financial stability, safety, and future wellbeing. Federal Law No. 9 of 2019 strengthens this policy, ensuring the rights of seniors to housing, education, employment, and protection from abuse.A slew of initiatives for seniors were rolled out over the years. Clinics on wheels provided free consultations. Trainings were held for caregivers. Internet literacy projects, which have so far reached over 63,000, help seniors keep up with a digitised world. Community engagement is encouraged through various activities while civic participation is supported through mentorship opportunities for retired enhancements and transportation have made public services more accessible, providing discounts and free taxi services for Emiratis over the age of UAE cares for the wellbeing of its senior citizens through safety hotlines, training, and support, including community shelters and cultural programmes initiated by the Ministry of Community a sense of belonging, certain initiatives connect seniors with the community, especially during the pandemic. When Covid-19 hit, the 'We Are Your Family' initiative linked up volunteers with over 14,000 seniors to alleviate the impact of isolation. Several projects — like "Barakat Al Dar" programme, mobile services from Al Ain City Municipality, and Abu Dhabi Police 'Hope Planter Initiative'— ensure the needs of the elderly are catered to right in their clinics organised by the Ministry of Health and Emirates Health Services have provided better healthcare access to those who live far from the cities, while big hospitals in Abu Dhabi offered a variety of home and long-term care services to senior citizens without services have also better been equipped with elder-suitable features, such as grand text and screen taxi discounts in Abu Dhabi, free bus rides, and parking benefits in Dubai have made transport much easier for are provided to those who need them most, while various sponsorships are granted, from the Emirates Red Crescent's initiatives to the Zayed Foundation-funded Hajj and work, with the approval of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, are still open to retirees, while those who are vulnerable get assistance through the Zakat Fund. All these efforts have created a profound impact: Senior Emiratis are among the happiest in the world — and the happiest group in the country, according to a 2024 report.
