A forum held to mark Elder Abuse Awareness Day highlighted efforts to promote the rights, dignity, and safety of older people, while raising awareness about preventing abuse and improving their protection and well-being.
Dubai Police and the Community Development Authority Dubai have intensified efforts to safeguard senior citizens, launching a community awareness forum focused on respect, dignity, and protection for older persons.
Held at Al Warqa Majlis to mark the Year of the Family and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the event brought together experts, social affairs specialists, and community members. Discussions centered on preventing elder abuse and reinforcing the role of older people in society while ensuring their safety and well-being.Brigadier Dr Abdul Rahman Al Shaer, Director of the General Department of Human Rights at Dubai Police, said that protecting senior citizens and older persons is a national priority.
He emphasized that this priority reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to human dignity, social welfare, and improving quality of life for all members of society, especially the elderly.
Brigadier Dr Abdul Rahman Al Shaer said the forum aligns with wider government efforts to promote a culture of respect and care for the elderly. He referenced the vision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who described Dubai as “one big family” that values senior citizens, supports their integration, and encourages their active participation in community life.
He added that Dubai Police continues to collaborate with relevant organisations to raise awareness of senior citizens’ rights, strengthen protection measures, and ensure older people live safe, dignified, and socially engaged lives while continuing to contribute to society.
Maitha Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment Sector at the Community Development Authority Dubai, said that protecting older persons goes beyond providing services and care.
She emphasized the need for an integrated community system that keeps senior citizens actively engaged in society, allowing them to contribute their knowledge, experience, and values to future generations.
Al Shamsi explained that the authority’s approach places senior citizens at the centre of development initiatives through policies and programmes aimed at improving their quality of life and strengthening their role in passing on expertise across generations.
She also noted that cooperation with strategic partners such as Dubai Police reflects Dubai’s model of institutional integration and supports the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which focuses on building a more cohesive, sustainable, and high-quality society.
The forum’s awareness and prevention segment included two key sessions focused on legal protection and community responsibility.
The first session, titled “Protection of Older Persons within the Framework of International Legislation,” was presented by Lt Col Dr Ali Mohammed Juma Al Matrooshi of the General Department of Human Rights at Dubai Police.
The second session, “Protection of Senior Citizens and Older Persons,” was delivered by Fatima Atiq Al Subousi from the Community Development Authority Dubai.
Ali Mohammed Juma Al Matrooshi emphasized that protecting senior citizens is a collective responsibility requiring cooperation between government bodies, community institutions, and individuals. He also noted that the UAE has developed a strong legal and policy framework to ensure older persons can live secure, dignified lives with adequate protection and support.
Lt Col Dr Ali Mohammed Juma Al Matrooshi said that Dubai Police is committed to raising awareness of senior citizens’ rights, educating the public about different forms of abuse and how to prevent them, and promoting a culture of respect and care for those who contributed to building society.
He added that prevention begins with awareness, and that strong partnerships between institutions are essential to creating a supportive environment that safeguards the dignity and rights of older persons. He noted that the forum is part of ongoing efforts to spread legal and social awareness while aligning with international legislation and best practices that support elder protection and participation in society.
In a related statement, Fatima Atiq Al Subousi of the Community Development Authority Dubai said that protecting senior citizens requires collective action and greater public awareness of their rights.
Fatima Atiq Al Subousi said that the Community Development Authority Dubai continues to develop initiatives and services aimed at improving the quality of life of older persons while supporting their integration and active participation in society.
She stressed that empowering senior citizens and preserving their dignity are fundamental pillars of a cohesive and compassionate society.
Al Subousi added that the authority, in cooperation with strategic partners, is working to increase awareness of different forms of elder abuse and preventive measures. This, she said, helps create a safe and supportive environment that protects the rights of senior citizens and addresses both their current and future needs.
