​A delegation from the Federal Electricity & Water Authority (FEWA) visited the Seniors Emiratis’ Happiness Centre in Ajman, which is home to 43 senior Emiratis, to mark the International Day of Older Persons, which falls on 1 October annually.
This is part of FEWA’s ongoing efforts to fulfill its social responsibility. FEWA has launched a number of special initiatives to support senior citizens such as excluding customers aged over 60 from utility disconnection in cases of delays in paying due bills. FEWA coordinated with the Ministry of Community Development (MOCD) to compile lists specifying the names of beneficiaries for this initiative. The lists will be updated periodically through a dedicated electronic system.
Mohammed Mohammed Saleh, Director General of FEWA, said: “Our celebration on this special occasion aligns with our wise leadership’s efforts to honour senior Emiratis and offer them all means of care they need. With the focus of the UAE government to assure top-quality services for senior citizens, senior Emiratis today enjoy a comprehensive system of government support and care to ensure they lead a dignified life.”
Saleh added: “Since the UAE was founded, our wise leaderships has recognised the significant role played by senior citizens, reflecting the humanitarian and civilised aspects of the Emirati community, which adopts the teachings of the late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in offering support to senior citizens, who have given a lot to our country.”
Saleh concluded: “At FEWA, we strive to be an active partner in the UAE government’s system for supporting senior Emiratis, as part of our social responsibility. We have launched several initiatives to provide world-class services to different community segments, one of which is senior citizens, as they constantly support our strategic objectives and messages, such as rationalisation in electricity and water consumption.”
Last year, the UAE Cabinet issued the National Policy for Senior Emiratis to improve their quality of life and ensure their continued and active participation in society, thus ensuring their wellbeing in line with the UAE vision 2021 and the UAE Centennial Plan 2071.