Abu Dhabi, January 29, 2026 – The Europe Today: H.H. 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 (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), has reviewed the programmes and services provided by the FDF to support senior citizens and strengthen family cohesion.
During her visit to the foundation’s centre in Abu Dhabi, H.H. Sheikha Fatima was briefed on initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for senior citizens and enhancing their societal role. These efforts are aligned with a law issued by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which amended the FDF’s mandate to provide guidance, awareness, and support for families, along with social services for the elderly, thereby promoting the development and stability of family structures in the emirate.
H.H. Sheikha Fatima praised the FDF’s five-year strategy, which focuses on improving senior citizens’ well-being, strengthening family stability through parental support, and enhancing institutional performance by developing human, technical, and media capabilities.
She also commended the “Barakatna” initiative, launched by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and implemented by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi in partnership with the FDF and other entities. The initiative includes programmes to support home care for senior citizens, further enhancing their quality of life within Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive community care ecosystem while promoting family cohesion and social solidarity.
Highlighting the importance of safety, H.H. Sheikha Fatima praised the Home Safety Guide for Senior Citizens, which sets standards for adapting homes to ensure elderly safety and well-being, and raises awareness among families on protective home measures.
In line with the “Year of Family,” Sheikha Fatima also launched a new initiative to strengthen intergenerational ties and emphasize the role of older people in passing values and experience to current and future generations. She directed the launch of further community programmes, including support for young people preparing for marriage through parental and grandparental guidance, and an audio platform focused on family stability, parenting, and intergenerational communication.
Additionally, Sheikha Fatima launched a campaign promoting respect and inclusion of senior citizens within Emirati families, along with an interactive family game inspired by local heritage to encourage dialogue between generations.
H.H. Sheikha Fatima stressed the need to enhance healthcare for senior citizens through closer cooperation with government health bodies and by adopting global best practices, while highlighting the media’s role in raising health awareness and promoting social stability.
Ali Salem Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the FDF, said Sheikha Fatima’s visit reflected the leadership’s commitment to families and senior citizens and reaffirmed the foundation’s focus on expanding partnerships to deliver sustainable services.
Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, FDF Director-General, said the visit provided strong support to staff and reinforced the central role of families and senior citizens in the UAE’s social development. She noted that the visit coincided with the foundation’s 20th anniversary and renewed its commitment to implementing the “Year of Family” initiatives through practical programmes supporting senior citizens and enhancing social cohesion.
