Government

In a heartfelt tribute to senior citizens and under the visionary directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Family Development Foundation (FDF) has officially launched a new awareness guide titled ‘Let Us Protect Our Elders with Love’. The initiative was unveiled during a press conference at the Foundation’s Abu Dhabi Centre, coinciding with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The guide aims to foster respectful, inclusive, and emotionally conscious care for senior citizens while addressing often-overlooked emotional behaviors that can negatively affect their well-being. It also highlights the importance of intergenerational solidarity, empathy, and active engagement of seniors within families and society.

The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including H.E. Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of FDF; H.E. Abdulrahman Al Baloushi, Director of Strategic Planning and Institutional Development; H.E. Saeed Al Ghafli, Director of Support Services; and H.E. Wafa Al Ali, Director of Family Development, alongside social experts, strategic partners, media professionals, and senior citizens.

“This guide is not just a publication—it’s a sincere message of love, respect, and deep human connection,” said H.E. Mariam Al Rumaithi. “It serves as an educational reference that identifies harmful emotional patterns and replaces them with positive practices that nurture dignity, value, and psychological well-being.”

She emphasized that the initiative is aligned with the UAE’s core values and the leadership’s vision—particularly His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who advocates for national loyalty and respect for those who have contributed to the country’s progress.

“This guide is a reflection of the humanitarian vision of H.H. Sheikha Fatima, ‘Mother of the Nation,’ whose unwavering support for the elderly sets a high benchmark for compassion and appreciation in Emirati society,” Al Rumaithi added.

The guide explores subtle yet impactful emotional dynamics within families and encourages thoughtful communication, genuine listening, and the inclusion of elderly individuals in family decisions. By doing so, it promotes a nurturing environment that recognizes their experience and wisdom.

In addition to the guide’s launch, the event featured a series of public activities, including the presentation of a ‘Proactive Steps for Protecting Senior Citizens’ training program, an awareness workshop on seniors’ rights, and an interactive game reinforcing the guide’s key values through meaningful engagement.

Al Rumaithi also commended the dedicated team behind the creation of the guide, noting their role in advancing a more emotionally aware and supportive community.

“Caring for the elderly is not a duty—it’s a reflection of our collective humanity,” she said. “This guide is dedicated to those who understand that compassion must be present not just in intention, but in everyday actions that restore dignity, trust, and belonging.”

The Family Development Foundation reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens through targeted programs and community initiatives, in line with the UAE’s national and humanitarian values. These efforts aim to ensure that senior citizens remain integral, respected, and celebrated members of society.

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