“Community Development” in Dubai enhances the quality of life of senior citizens with a new “Thukher” branch

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs, the new branch of the “Thukher” Club was opened in the Al Khawaneej area, under the supervision of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, in a step that reflects Dubai’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life of senior citizens and consolidating their role as active partners in society, and benefiting from their rich expertise and experiences in supporting the development process.

The Community Development Authority is leading the efforts to develop and operate the “Thukher” Club, which aims to provide an integrated environment that enhances the interaction of senior citizens with the community, and allows the exchange of experiences and knowledge between generations, in addition to supporting the club’s pioneers and enabling them to continue their giving through innovative programs and services that include cultural, sports, health, and social activities.

Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, Hessa bint Issa Buhumaid, confirmed that the expansion of the “Thukher Club” branches embodies the directives of the wise leadership in empowering senior citizens and enhancing their vital role as partners in the development process, noting that such initiatives reflect Dubai’s strategic vision that puts people at the heart of its priorities, and confirms the status of senior citizens as a basic pillar and source of inspiration in building a cohesive and sustainable society.

She said: “Thukher represents an integrated platform that enhances the quality of life of senior citizens, through innovative services that support their effective integration into society, and allows them to transfer their experiences and share their knowledge, thus consolidating their role as an essential partner and source of added value in the process of construction and progress.”

She added: “We confirm that investing in supporting senior citizens and creating the best conditions for them has a significant positive impact on more than one level. This investment, with all its sublime meanings, contributes to benefiting from their rich experiences to enhance community cohesion, consolidate values, and support sustainable development, by enriching social mobility and enhancing communication and integration between generations.”

The opening of the new branch is part of the specific initiatives supporting the goals of the “Dubai Social Agenda 33”, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, under the slogan “The Family is the Foundation of the Nation”, with the aim of building a cohesive society and stable families, and preparing generations that are confident in their abilities, committed to their identity, and able to keep pace with the requirements of the future.

It is noteworthy that the “Thukher Club” is an initiative affiliated with the Supreme Committee for Development and Citizens’ Affairs in Dubai, within an integrated government system, supervised by the authority to develop quality services for this category, and to enhance their presence as an essential partner in society, and a source of experience and knowledge.

The launch of the new branch of the club, in cooperation with a number of strategic partners, including: Dubai Police, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and Dubai Sports Council, comes within the framework of integrated government efforts to enhance the quality of life and enable constructive community interaction.

The new branch includes integrated facilities, including halls for activities and workshops, and spaces designated for social interaction, in addition to specific programs aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle, encouraging continuous learning, and opening the way for senior citizens to share their experiences and contribute to various community initiatives, thus contributing to achieving Dubai’s vision of being the best city to live in for all segments of society.

The family of the late Obaid Muhammad Abdullah Al-Helu is one of the prominent supporters of the “Thukher” Club in the Al Khawaneej area, as it contributed significantly to supporting and developing its services and activities directed to senior citizens. This contribution comes from a well-established approach to community giving, and a keenness to support initiatives that enhance social cohesion and contribute to improving the quality of life, in a way that embodies the authentic values ​​of solidarity and cohesion in society.

The opening of the “Thukher” Club branch in the Al Khawaneej area is a new step in a series of initiatives through which Dubai seeks to establish a global model in caring for and empowering senior citizens, while highlighting their role as active contributors to society, reflecting its ambitious vision for a more comprehensive and sustainable society.

The president of the “Thukher” clubs, Hamid Al Shamsi, told “Emirates Today” that the Thukher Al Khawaneej Club is an extension of the success of the Thukher Al Safa Club, which is the second club in the series of Thukher clubs in Dubai, after the success achieved by the first branch, and the results that were reflected positively on the club members in general.

He added that there is an expansion plan to spread a series of Thukher clubs throughout the Emirate of Dubai according to the approved plan, noting that the members’ experience in the club is integrated, combining the practice of sports activities and a focus on the health aspect, in addition to taking care of the psychological, social and cultural aspects.

He explained that the club offers an integrated program for members that includes various events, activities and programs that develop cultural, social, health and security aspects, in addition to internal and external visits throughout the year. He pointed out that registration for membership in the Thukher Club is available to all citizens of the Emirate of Dubai who are 55 years old or older, whether they are retired or about to retire, and is done through the “Dubai Now” platform using the digital identity, with a medical examination to evaluate the member’s health condition.

He stressed the Authority’s keenness to benefit from the expertise of its members, as many of them have long practical experience in the local and federal government sectors, and this expertise is employed through an integrated program that benefits the rest of the members.

For her part, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment Sector at the Community Development Authority, Maitha Al Shamsi, said: “The partnership between sectors is translated through the support of the family of the late Obaid Muhammad Abdullah Al Helu to the Thukher Club in its first branch and the new branch in Al Khawaneej, as this initiative emphasized the importance of community participation,” noting that this reflects the importance of a true integration between the government and private sectors, and the necessity of building on this successful partnership in launching initiatives that serve the areas of social services and enhance their impact on society.

The Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, head of the government work team for the Thukher Clubs Project, Saeed Hareb, stated that the Thukher Club is a reflection of the solidarity of the government agencies that contributed to its establishment, pointing to the role of the Dubai Sports Council in equipping the gyms, as modern and advanced sports equipment was provided in the Thukher Al Safa Club and the new branch in Al Khawaneej. He explained that these devices allow programming sports loads in proportion to the capabilities of each member, as the load can be regulated by increasing or decreasing weights, in accordance with the results of the examination. Allocate appropriate exercises for each member.

He pointed out that this reflects the level of integration in Thukher clubs, through continuous monitoring of the health and physical condition of members, and monitoring their compliance with regulations, stressing that the club is not limited to health services only, but also represents a platform for community meetings within an integrated health program.

Buhumaid’s share:

• The “Initiative” confirms the position of senior citizens as a fundamental pillar and source of inspiration in building a cohesive and sustainable society.