Marking the International Day for Older Persons, officials and community organizations across the United Arab Emirates highlighted senior support initiatives, family cohesion, and long-term quality-of-life programs on October 3, 2026, backed by a national framework and dedicated local social services.
Efforts to honor and support older citizens in the United Arab Emirates are grounded in a series of federal laws, national strategies, and regional programs designed to protect independence, health, and social inclusion. Federal Law No. 9 of 2019 guarantees older citizens the right to privacy, autonomy, and protection from neglect or abuse. This legal foundation is paired with the National Policy for Older Persons, which spans healthcare, financial stability, secure transportation, and community participation.
Acknowledging an elder’s ongoing role in family discussions is essential to preserving personal dignity across the generations.
A person’s feeling that they are still heard, that their experience is valued, and that their presence has an impact on their surroundings is an essential part of their dignity and quality of life, no matter how advanced their years.
Regional Support Programs in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah
Across different emirates, specialized programs translate national objectives into practical assistance for families and seniors. In Abu Dhabi, the Barakatna initiative offers temporary substitute care, home improvements, extended housing loan repayment terms for caregivers, and flexible working arrangements. The Barakatna card also provides residents aged 60 and older with simplified access to various services and privileges.
Intergenerational communication is further encouraged through programs designed to pass accumulated knowledge on to younger residents. Meanwhile, Sharjah promotes an independent lifestyle through its Sharjah Age-Friendly City framework, supported by home care services and Al Asala clubs that host social and hobby-based activities.
The Resounding Impact Forum in Ras Al Khaimah
In Ras Al Khaimah, community organizations marked the International Day for Older Persons by hosting the Resounding Impact Forum. Organized by the Emirates Association for Social Development in cooperation with the Emirates Association for Parents Care and Loyalty and Safe Mind Consultancies, the gathering focused on family cohesion, intergenerational dialogue, and the preservation of senior contributions under the banner Yesterday’s Expertise.. Today’s Giving.. An Impact That Extends to Tomorrow.
Khalaf Salem bin Anbar, director general of the Emirates Association for Social Development, noted that honoring older citizens extends far beyond single events, serving as an ongoing communal duty to sustain their active presence across generations. He added that older citizens witnessed the dawn of the nation’s development and remain active partners in its progress.
National Health Framework Supporting Active Aging Through 2031
Efforts to maintain health, mobility, and independence are reinforced nationally by the National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025–2031. The framework prioritizes preventative care and overall well-being, helping older adults manage daily routines and maintain community connections.
