: In a pivotal step aimed at deepening the impact of the "Digital Balance" program and embodying the spirit of the "Year of the Family," the Community Development Authority in Dubai and Digital Dubai announced the launch of the "Senior Citizens" track as part of the Digital Balance Initiative for Families.
This track aims to empower senior citizens and equip them with the necessary tools and skills for positive and safe interaction with the rapidly evolving digital environment. This initiative comes as a tribute to the valuable role this segment of society plays in building the Emirati family, and as recognition of the importance of integrating them into the digital journey in a way that strengthens family cohesion and unity in the modern era.
This track represents one of the fundamental pillars of the Digital Balance Program, which was previously launched to establish a culture of conscious and responsible technology use in society. Today, the focus is particularly on senior citizens and retirees, recognizing the unique needs and requirements of this demographic, and ensuring that all segments of society benefit from Dubai's digital transformation journey. The launch of this track within the Digital Balance Initiative for Families translates and supports the achievement of the goals of the "Year of the Family," by focusing on raising digital awareness and building positive digital habits within families, through seminars, workshops, training courses, and practical tools and guidance materials.
The "Senior Citizens" track has been designed to serve as a bridge connecting them to the digital world, not merely by providing technical knowledge, but by building solid confidence in their ability to benefit from digital services with independence and security. The program focuses on clear strategic objectives that include empowering them to fully benefit from government services and digital health, raising awareness about protection mechanisms against digital risks and fraud, which positively impacts their mental and physical health and enhances their daily quality of life. The initiative emphasizes several key pillars, including promoting digital awareness within the family, building positive digital habits in daily life, and supporting dialogue and communication between parents and children about the digital world.
In this context, Mohanned Saeed, Director of the Senior Citizens Department, stated: "Digital wellbeing for senior citizens is an integral part of the quality of life we strive to provide in Dubai. Through the Senior Citizens Track, we move from the general concept of digital balance to a practical and customized application that directly addresses the needs of our parents and grandparents. We aim to empower them to become active and confident participants in the digital society, utilizing these tools to enhance their social communication, health, and wellbeing, while teaching them how to use technology safely and responsibly."
On behalf of Digital Dubai, Ghaith Al Mazina, Senior Director of the Digital City, stated: "The Digital Balance initiative represents a practical embodiment of the concept of integration in government work that places citizens at the forefront of priorities, and affirms that digital transformation in Dubai aims fundamentally to provide digital wellbeing and comfort for all segments of society. The launch of the Senior Citizens track within this initiative comes as a culmination of a vision based on community inclusivity and deep appreciation for senior citizens and the necessity of integrating them into digital transformations while maintaining their safety and security. This initiative gains additional momentum as it coincides with the declaration of this year as the Year of the Family, where we are committed to raising digital awareness and community digital knowledge about how to benefit from the advanced digital experiences that Dubai offers to all segments of society."
The program will be implemented through carefully designed training workshops tailored to suit both senior citizens (60 years and above) and retirees (55 years and above). To ensure maximum effectiveness, specialized training content will be provided that precisely meets the needs of all participating groups, with emphasis on simplicity and practical application away from technical complexities. Activities will include awareness seminars, practical workshops, specialized training courses, as well as providing tools and guidance materials to help them continue their digital journey with confidence and independence.
This initiative is part of the comprehensive Digital Balance Program and is implemented in partnership with several leading government entities in the Emirate of Dubai. Partner organizations include Digital Dubai, which leads digital transformation efforts in the Emirate; the Community Development Authority, which focuses on community development and improving quality of life; the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, which is concerned with human resources development and education; and the Dubai Health Authority, which ensures digital health and safety for the community. This integrated cooperation among these entities reflects a unified commitment to building a balanced and secure digital society that includes all segments of the community.
