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The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) in the UAE has launched a new program titled ‘We Are Your Support,’ aimed at enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens and long-term residents. This initiative is part of the national campaign entitled the ‘Year of the Community.’
This program introduces a range of new and integrated services intended to improve the well-being, dignity, and autonomy of older citizens and established residents.
Key features of the initiative include the National Housing Specifications Guide tailored for Senior Citizens, complimentary housing design options available through the ‘Darak’ platform, and optional engineering consultations in energy, electricity, and construction via the ‘Aounkom’ initiative.
Experienced advisors proficient in local dialects and familiar with social services have been appointed at MoEI service centers located in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
Their role involves providing customized support and handling sensitive cases with care.
Gender-sensitive services
This initiative also includes enhancements that cater to different genders. The ‘Leen Babek’ service allows elderly women to conduct transactions from home, ensuring their privacy and comfort. For elderly men, the program provides increased mobility support, which features reserved parking spaces, smart service desks, and personalized assistance to facilitate service completion.
A ‘Golden Counter’ has been introduced at service centers to prioritize transactions for senior citizens. Additionally, workshops are being held to improve digital literacy among older individuals, along with direct support for digital services when necessary.
Empowering senior citizens and residents through We Are Your Support
Sharif Al Olama, Under-Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, stated that this initiative represents the leadership’s dedication to providing personalized, human-centered public services.
“We view the service of the elderly as not merely a responsibility but as a privilege and a way to express gratitude to a generation that has played a significant role in the development of our nation,” Al Olama commented. “The ‘We Are Your Support’ initiative aims to serve as a model of empowerment and compassion, offering an unparalleled service experience that reflects the respect they rightfully deserve.”
He also mentioned that this initiative is part of a larger government effort to reduce bureaucracy and provide proactive, seamless, and intelligent services that embody the principles of inclusion and respect for all members of the community.