Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has launched Barakatna, an initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens in Abu Dhabi's community care ecosystem. The initiative seeks to reinforce family cohesion and social solidarity. The launch event was attended by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement took place at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, where H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with a delegation from the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi, led by Chairman Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili. Also present was a delegation from the Family Development Foundation, headed by Director General Maryam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, along with representatives of entities involved in the Barakatna initiative.
The initiative is supervised by the Department of Community Development in collaboration with the Family Development Foundation and various social sector organisations in Abu Dhabi. It aims to improve home care efficiency for senior citizens in a family setting, ensuring a stable life for them within their families.
H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the community initiative's importance in continuing to care for senior citizens, ensuring their dignity and wellbeing. He emphasized that the Barakatna initiative is a reflection of the UAE's appreciation for the contributions made by senior citizens to the nation's progress.
His Highness reiterated the vital role of senior citizens, describing them as society's pillar whose wisdom and experience guide younger generations. He noted that supporting senior citizens' wellbeing is a national responsibility reflecting the values they have instilled in society.
The Barakatna initiative focuses on family cohesion by developing community services to support senior citizens and empower individuals to care for their relatives effectively. It aims to build a harmonious society reflecting the UAE's values.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan endorsed the initiative's services and programmes, which include pioneering services implemented by social sector entities like the Department of Community Development, the Family Development Foundation, and others.
Key services within the initiative include Temporary Alternative Care for Senior Citizens, Home Improvements for Senior Citizens, and Extending the Term of Housing Loans. The initiative also offers Flexible Work Systems for Parents and Caregivers to help them balance responsibilities while caring for their parents.
The launch was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President; and other officials.