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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.
Hi Dubai
23-04-2025
- Health
- Hi Dubai
UAE Launches 'Barakatna' to Empower Senior Citizens and Strengthen Family Bonds
The United Arab Emirates has reinforced its commitment to the well-being of senior citizens with the launch of the 'Barakatna' initiative, announced Tuesday by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Led by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Family Development Foundation and other social sector entities, the initiative aims to enhance home care for senior citizens within family environments. It supports a stable, healthy, and fulfilling life, while easing the caregiving responsibilities of family members. Barakatna plays a crucial role in reinforcing family bonds and fostering a culture of intergenerational care. It will establish an integrated system of community services to help families balance caregiving with personal and professional responsibilities. This initiative reflects the UAE's long-standing cultural and humanitarian values. Senior citizens, defined by law as Emiratis aged 60 and above, are seen as a vital part of society. According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, they are the happiest demographic in the UAE. Since the nation's founding in 1971, senior citizens have received growing recognition and support. Federal Law No. 9 of 2019 guarantees their rights, including independence, privacy, healthcare, housing, education, and protection from neglect or abuse. Complementing this, the National Policy for Senior Emiratis includes seven focus areas: healthcare, civic participation, infrastructure, financial stability, safety, social involvement, and future quality of life. Initiatives include mobile clinics, priority access to public services, dedicated parking, and accessible transportation. A senior citizens' helpline and enhanced electronic services are also in development. The UAE continues to set a benchmark in integrating senior citizens into the social fabric, valuing their legacy while ensuring dignity, care, and inclusion. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Gulf Insider
15-02-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Up To Dh500,000 Fine: Ajman Cracks Down On Veterinary Violations With Stricter Penalties
Ajman Municipality has required veterinary establishments in the emirate to safely dispose of expired veterinary products through accredited specialised companies, ensuring proper disposal within three months of expiration. During a recent intensified crackdown, Ajman Municipality, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE), strongly reinforced the importance of regulatory compliance and environmental safety. Violators will face fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh500,000, as per Federal Law No. 9 of 2017 on veterinary products. Speaking to Khaleej Times , Dr Khalid Moeen Al Hosani, executive director of the Public Health and Environment Sector in Ajman, confirmed that the municipality has developed a comprehensive plan to ensure veterinary facilities — including clinics and pharmacies — comply with federal regulations through periodic inspection campaigns. Commending establishments that adhered to the legal requirements, Al Hosani also emphasised the need to maintain proper documentation, such as getting a valid licence to practice veterinary services for on-call veterinarians. Other documents required are facility licence issued by the Ministry, public health pest control contract, safe disposal contract for veterinary materials, and sales and purchase invoices for veterinary products to verify compliance. Al Hosani underscored that as part of the inspections, Ajman Municipality issued key directives to veterinary establishments, including restricted use of veterinary pesticides to prevent misuse. 'It is also important to ensure sourcing veterinary medicines is done exclusively from approved suppliers with documented proof,' he added. Al Hosani also reminded to trade only with Ministry-registered and licensed veterinary businesses. There must also be strict adherence to proper disposal of expired veterinary products through accredited companies within the mandated three-month period. Ajman Municipality has warned that failure to comply with the regulations will result in strict penalties, including: Fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh500,000 Confiscation of non-compliant veterinary products. Suspension of operations or facility closure in cases of repeated violations. Al Hosani pointed out those found guilty of selling, offering, possessing, manufacturing, or composing fraudulent, expired, or unlicensed veterinary products face imprisonment and financial penalties. 'The enforcement of these measures aims to protect public health, uphold veterinary safety standards, and ensure the proper management of veterinary products in the emirate,' Al Hosani reiterated.
Khaleej Times
14-02-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Up to Dh500,000 fine: Ajman cracks down on veterinary violations with stricter penalties
Ajman Municipality has obligated veterinary establishments in the emirate to safely dispose of expired veterinary products through accredited specialised companies within a maximum period of three months from their expiration date. A strong reminder was recently made during an intensified crackdown carried out by the civic body, in cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE), to fully enforce regulatory compliance and environmental safety. Violations will attract fines starting from Dh10,000 that can go up to Dh500,000, as per Federal Law No. 9 of 2017 on veterinary products. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr. Khalid Moeen Al Hosani, executive director of the Public Health and Environment Sector in Ajman, confirmed that the municipality has developed a comprehensive plan to ensure veterinary facilities — including clinics and pharmacies — comply with federal regulations through periodic inspection campaigns. Al Hosani also commended establishments that adhered to the legal requirements. He also emphasised the need to maintain proper documentation, including acquiring a licence to practice the veterinary profession for on-call veterinarians. Other documents required are facility license issued by the Ministry; public health pest control contract; safe disposal contract for veterinary materials, and sales and purchase invoices for veterinary products to verify compliance. Strict enforcement of regulations Al Hosani underscored that as part of the inspections, Ajman Municipality issued key directives to veterinary establishments, including restricted use of veterinary pesticides to prevent misuse. 'It is also important to ensure sourcing veterinary medicines is done exclusively from approved suppliers with documented proof,' he added. Al Hosani also reminded to trade only with Ministry-registered and licensed veterinary businesses. There must also be strict adherence to proper disposal of expired veterinary products through accredited companies within the mandated three-month period. Penalties for violations Ajman Municipality has warned that failure to comply with the regulations will result in strict penalties, including: Fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh500,000 Confiscation of non-compliant veterinary products. Suspension of operations or facility closure in cases of repeated violations. Al Hosani pointed out those found guilty of selling, offering, possessing, manufacturing, or composing fraudulent, expired, or unlicensed veterinary products face imprisonment and financial penalties. 'The enforcement of these measures aims to protect public health, uphold veterinary safety standards, and ensure the proper management of veterinary products in the emirate,' Al Hosani reiterated.
