Latest news with #ShaikhaAlhosani
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
93.6 % of residents feel safe walking alone at night in Abu Dhabi, reveals survey
Abu Dhabi has reinforced its position as one of the world's top cities in quality of life, safety, and happiness, according to the findings of the fifth Quality of Life Survey conducted in 2024 by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD). The survey results revealed that 93.6 per cent of residents felt safe walking alone at night, reflecting the emirate's continued recognition as the world's safest city in 2025 according to global indicators. The Happiness indicator also recorded an increase, reaching 7.74 out of 10, compared to 7.63 in the third cycle. More than 100,000 individuals from 190 different nationalities participated in the survey, which covered 14 key social wellbeing indicators: housing, job opportunities and revenue, family income and wealth, work-life balance, health, education and skills, personal security and safety, social relations, civic participation and governance, environmental quality, social and cultural cohesion, social and community service, quality of life, digital happiness, and wellbeing. The survey results showed that 75.6 per cent of residents have a strong social support network, emphasising the importance of social cohesion during the UAE Year of Community. Employment rates in Abu Dhabi exceeded the OECD average, reinforcing the emirate's global appeal for talent and economic opportunities. The volunteering participation rate reached 34.3 per cent, reflecting a strong community spirit among residents. Shaikha Alhosani, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at DCD, affirmed that the results reflect the emirate's strategic efforts to enhance quality of life. The Quality of Life Survey demonstrates Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to developing innovative policies that place individual wellbeing at the forefront of its priorities. Alhosani noted that joint efforts across various sectors have contributed to creating a secure and sustainable environment in which residents feel stable and thrive. She added that high safety levels, increased happiness, and longer life expectancy are all indicators of the success of Abu Dhabi's governmental policies and plans in promoting social, health, and economic development. Alhosani said, 'During the Year of Community, we continue to shape policies and develop programmes and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all community members and fulfilling their aspirations. Recently, we witnessed the opening of the Nabdh Al Falah Community hub, which serves as a tangible example of transforming the Voice of the Community into reality. In collaboration with all our partners, we are working to make it an integrated platform offering activities, programmes, and events that target all segments of society.' With Abu Dhabi's continued digital transformation, the survey also revealed a rise in digital wellbeing, with residents enjoying easy and efficient access to digital services. However, the findings also pointed to growing concerns about the psychological effects of technology, highlighting the need for balanced policies that support mental health and social interaction in the digital age. In terms of work-life balance, the results showed that working hours remain higher than the OECD average, underscoring the need for strategies that better support personal and professional life balance to sustain quality of life in the community. The Department of Community Development relies on the results of the Quality of Life Survey as a fundamental tool for developing social and economic policies, ensuring the creation of a balanced and sustainable community environment. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, the department aims to enhance sustainable livelihoods and promote social cohesion, ensuring a prosperous future for all residents of Abu Dhabi. The Department of Community Development encouraged all community members to participate in the sixth cycle of the Quality of Life Survey and to share their aspirations and challenges across all aspects of life. WAM
Time Out Abu Dhabi
4 days ago
- General
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's Quality of Life Survey results are in – and it's good news
Abu Dhabi residents are safe, happy – and just a little overworked. That's the bottom line from the latest Abu Dhabi Quality of Life Survey, which has just dropped fresh stats from its fifth edition. Run by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD), the survey polled over 100,000 people from 190 nationalities across the emirate to check in on how everyone's really doing. Spoiler: pretty well. Here's the breakdown: a whopping 93.6 percent of people say they feel safe walking alone at night (no surprise, since Abu Dhabi is still the world's safest city according to global indicators) and happiness is on the rise too – scoring 7.74 out of 10, up from 7.63 last time. The survey taps into 14 juicy categories that shape daily life – from housing and health to digital happiness and work-life balance. Here are some of the top takeaways: Social support is strong: 75.6 percent of residents say they've got people they can count on. Community spirit is buzzing: One in three people (34.3 percent, to be exact) are volunteering their time. Digital life is smooth: Access to e-services is a breeze. But tech has a downside: There are growing concerns over how screens are affecting mental health. And working hours? Still long: Residents are clocking in more hours than the OECD average, so the work-life balance isn't quite there yet. The good news? The Department of Community Development is listening. Shaikha Alhosani, executive director of the social monitoring and innovation sector at DCD, said: 'During the Year of Community, we continue to shape policies and develop programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all community members and fulfilling their aspirations. 'Recently, we witnessed the opening of the 'Nabdh Al Falah Community hub,' which serves as a tangible example of transforming the 'Voice of the Community' into reality. In collaboration with all our partners, we are working to make it an integrated platform offering activities, programs, and events that target all segments of society.' And with the sixth cycle of the survey already on the horizon, residents are being encouraged to keep sharing their thoughts so the capital can keep getting better. So if you've ever wanted to vote for fewer work hours and more beach days – now's your chance. Where to enjoy nature in Abu Dhabi 21 beautiful nature spots in the UAE you need to visit Add these destinations to your UAE bucket list, from Al Wathba Salt Lake to Snoopy Island The best beaches in Abu Dhabi for a relaxing day in the sun Ready, set, sunbathe The 6 best golf courses in Abu Dhabi, plus top clubs across the UAE We may be in the desert, but the UAE is in no shortage of greens Where to go for a walk in Abu Dhabi Fancy a stroll?
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Department of Community Development shares findings from 5th Quality of Life Survey
28 May 2025 21:31 ABU DHABI (WAM)Abu Dhabi has reinforced its position as one of the world's top cities in quality of life, safety, and happiness, according to the findings of the fifth Quality of Life Survey conducted in 2024 by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD).The survey results revealed that 93.6 percent of residents felt safe walking alone at night, reflecting the emirate's continued recognition as the world's safest city in 2025 according to global indicators. The Happiness indicator also recorded an increase, reaching 7.74 out of 10, compared to 7.63 in the third than 100,000 individuals from 190 different nationalities participated in the survey, which covered 14 key social wellbeing indicators: housing, job opportunities and revenue, family income and wealth, work-life balance, health, education and skills, personal security and safety, social relations, civic participation and governance, environmental quality, social and cultural cohesion, social and community service, quality of life, digital happiness, and survey results showed that 75.6 percent of residents have a strong social support network, emphasising the importance of social cohesion during the UAE Year of Community. Employment rates in Abu Dhabi exceeded the OECD average, reinforcing the emirate's global appeal for talent and economic opportunities. The volunteering participation rate reached 34.3 percent, reflecting a strong community spirit among Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at DCD, Shaikha Alhosani, affirmed that the results reflect the emirate's strategic efforts to enhance quality of life. The Quality of Life Survey demonstrates Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to developing innovative policies that place individual wellbeing at the forefront of its noted that joint efforts across various sectors have contributed to creating a secure and sustainable environment in which residents feel stable and added that high safety levels, increased happiness, and longer life expectancy are all indicators of the success of Abu Dhabi's governmental policies and plans in promoting social, health, and economic said, 'During the Year of Community, we continue to shape policies and develop programmes and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all community members and fulfilling their aspirations. Recently, we witnessed the opening of the Nabdh Al Falah Community hub, which serves as a tangible example of transforming the Voice of the Community into reality. In collaboration with all our partners, we are working to make it an integrated platform offering activities, programmes, and events that target all segments of society.'With Abu Dhabi's continued digital transformation, the survey also revealed a rise in digital wellbeing, with residents enjoying easy and efficient access to digital services. However, the findings also pointed to growing concerns about the psychological effects of technology, highlighting the need for balanced policies that support mental health and social interaction in the digital terms of work-life balance, the results showed that working hours remain higher than the OECD average, underscoring the need for strategies that better support personal and professional life balance to sustain quality of life in the Department of Community Development relies on the results of the Quality of Life Survey as a fundamental tool for developing social and economic policies, ensuring the creation of a balanced and sustainable community collaboration with various stakeholders, the department aims to enhance sustainable livelihoods and promote social cohesion, ensuring a prosperous future for all residents of Abu Dhabi. The Department of Community Development encouraged all community members to participate in the sixth cycle of the Quality of Life Survey and to share their aspirations and challenges across all aspects of life.
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Department of Community Development collects two Stevie Middle East and North Africa awards
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD) has been awarded two of the Stevie Awards for the Middle East and North Africa for 2025. They received the Gold Award for Innovation in Government Institutions and the Silver Award for Innovation in Customer Service Management and Planning for Government Institutions. This recognition acknowledges the Department's dedication to creating and executing innovative projects that improve community well-being, support sustainable social development and foster community involvement in shaping a better future for Abu Dhabi residents. DCD was awarded the Gold Award for Innovation in Government Institutions for its "Wyakom" initiative, a digital platform that engages community members in designing creative solutions and encourages their input to tackle important social issues. Over the course of three editions, the initiative has received more than 500 ideas from the community, with many of them successfully implemented. One of the winning ideas, "Taqahwa" initiative, has been launched recently by DCD in partnership with the Family Development Foundation and the private sector. This innovative digital platform offers marital consultations and guidance from a team of experts in family relationships, marking the first of its kind in the Emirate. DCD has also been honored with the Silver Prize for Innovation in Customer Service Management and Planning for Government Institutions in recognition of its outstanding performance in managing, planning, and providing customer service to government entities. This highlights DCD's dedication to enhancing customer experience through innovative approaches, as demonstrated by its continuous improvement efforts and promotion of a culture of excellence among all staff members. The Department remains steadfast in its commitment to aligning its services with the highest standards of seamless customer experience. On this occasion, Her Excellency Shaikha Alhosani, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at DCD, highlighted that the awards' attainment reflects the Department's strategic vision towards advancing social innovation. She emphasized the significance of creating initiatives that address community needs through contemporary and enduring approaches. Alhosani further stated that, in alignment with the "Year of Community," the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi continues its endeavors to amplify community participation in formulating innovative, efficient, and sustainable remedies for diverse social challenges. The aim is to reinforce collaboration frameworks with all stakeholders and underscore the role of each individual in society in enhancing comprehensive development across Abu Dhabi. Her Excellency Shaikha Alhosani expressed, "Social innovation plays a crucial role in developing initiatives that cater to the genuine needs of society. Innovation is more than just a methodology; it represents a deeply established culture in our way of operating. Through programs like Wyakom and Taqahwa, we aim to utilize technology and artificial intelligence to bring about positive changes in society, introduce creative solutions that resonate with people's ambitions, foster social unity, and instill Emirati heritage and values." She stressed, "Achieving wins acts as an extra motivation for us to persist in forming partnerships and working with various organizations to create innovative programs that promote social unity and realize the department's goal of establishing a connected community that enjoys a comprehensive quality of life."
