Six services and programmes have been unveiled for 'Barakatna' initiative

The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD), in partnership with the Family Development Foundation, revealed six services and programs under the 'Barakatna' Initiative.

Designed to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens and their caregivers, the “Barakatna” Initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi’s integrated community care ecosystem while fostering family and social cohesion.

It is grounded in the Department’s approach to identifying societal needs and challenges through studies, surveys, and other social monitoring tools.

Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, stated that the “Barakatna” initiative reflects the deep-rooted values of Emirati society and embodies the leadership’s commitment to the wellbeing of senior citizens within a strong, supportive family and community environment.

“We designed this initiative following an in-depth review of the challenges facing caregivers, with the goal of easing their daily burdens and empowering them to carry out their noble responsibilities toward their parents. It is about helping them strike a healthy balance between work and family life. Family caregiving is not just a duty — it is a living expression of loyalty and a foundation for a cohesive, resilient society.”

The initiative offers six integrated services. Among them is to Obtain Temporary Alternative Care for Senior Citizens, implemented by the Family Development Foundation. This service allows primary caregivers to request temporary care for elderly parents who are unable to care for themselves and require ongoing assistance. Care is provided for up to 8 hours per day, once per week, for a total of 48 days per year, enabling caregivers to attend to personal responsibilities, spend time with their families, and ease the demands of daily life.

The Government Empowerment Authority is offering to Obtain Approval for Flexible Working Systems for Caregivers of their Parents, which allows caregivers to obtain a formal certificate granting them access to flexible work policies within government entities. This enables them to balance their professional and caregiving responsibilities more effectively.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport is offering a service to Additional Units for Special Cases Approval, allowing families to make structural modifications to their homes in order to create dedicated, private, and comfortable living spaces for senior family members.

The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority is offering three additional services under the initiative:

- Obtain Home Improvements for Senior Citizens, to renovate and upgrade living facilities for senior citizens according to safety and comfort standards.

- Obtaining Approval to Extend the Repayment Period of Housing Loans, extending the repayment period for housing loans by an additional five years to reduce financial pressure on caregivers.

- Selling and Buying Housing Grants for Children's Proximity to Parents, allowing families to relocate closer to one another to foster family unity and create more supportive environments for seniors, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center.

The Department of Community Development affirms that “Barakatna” marks the beginning of a broader framework of family-focused policies and programs aimed at empowering Emirati households and supporting diverse social segments — ensuring continued social development and enhancing quality of life throughout the Emirate.