Gulf News, 23 April 2025: The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi has announced programmes under its Barakatnu initiatives which will give new rights to the elderly and their caregivers.

These include the right to obtain temporary alternative care for senior citizens. Care is provided for up to eight hours a day once a week for a total 48 days a year to enable caregivers to attend to their personal responsibilities and spend time with their families. In addition, the Government Empowerment Authority is offering to Obtain Approval for Flexible Working Systems for Caregivers. This scheme will allow caregivers to obtain a certificate which grants them access to flexible work policies in government entities.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport is offering a service to Additional Units for Special Cases Approval, which will allow 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 has also set up a number of initiatives which will allow senior citizens to obtain home improvements, extend the repayment of housing loans to reduce pressure on caregivers and provide buying and selling house grants to allow families to move closer to each other.

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