جاء تدشين المركزين ضمن توجه أبوظبي نحو تطوير مجتمعات سكنية تتمحور حول الأسرة والمجتمع.
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi continues its efforts to develop integrated community centres designed to meet the needs of its residents, ensuring they are more connected to local communities. In a recent initiative, the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, alongside the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi, has launched two new centres, “Nabd Al-Manhal” and “Nabd Al-Waha,” located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. This expansion aligns with the ongoing growth of community centres across the emirate.
Supporting Family and Community-Centric Development
The establishment of these centres reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to developing family-centric and community-focused residential areas. It aims to create supportive environments that enhance stability, quality of life, and the interconnectedness of community members. This initiative coincides with the “Family Year 2026,” underlining the importance of families as the foundation of a cohesive and thriving society.
Enhancing Social Interaction and Well-being
The opening of these centres is a continuation of efforts to expand the “Nabd” community centres throughout the emirate. This expansion is in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, who underscores the urgency of social cohesion and reducing social isolation. The centres are designed to be significant community interventions aimed at improving the quality of life in residential areas by offering spaces that meet the needs of residents while facilitating social engagement and participation in community programmes and activities.
Diverse Facilities for All Age Groups
The newly opened centres will collaborate with various governmental entities, private institutions, and third sector organisations to host programmes and initiatives that aim to activate the facilities at the “Nabd” centres. These initiatives are intended to foster a more connected community, strengthen family bonds, and create harmonious neighbourhoods. The centres cater to all demographics, offering amenities and programmes for children, youth, parents, senior citizens, and people of determination, alongside outdoor gardens, an “Our Council” initiative by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, a versatile and modern hall, shared spaces for community events, dedicated rooms for children and youth, and sports facilities.
A Platform for Community Engagement
These facilities are designed to provide a safe and engaging environment that allows community members to connect, learn, and participate in activities across five key areas: social and recreational programmes, health and sports, educational and skills development programmes, social empowerment initiatives, and cultural activities that enhance national identity.
Highlighting the Community’s Celebratory Venues
The official opening of the “Nabd Al-Manhal” centre also marked the inauguration of the Mohammed Bin Zayed City community events hall, designed as a multifunctional venue serving residents and governmental organisations. This hall will accommodate weddings under the “Mideem” initiative during weekends, supporting young couples planning their marriages, alongside hosting family events, gatherings, governmental exhibitions, and national celebrations. The venue offers a modern and well-equipped environment that contributes to reducing wedding costs while supporting social initiatives and reinforcing family and community ties.
Government Commitment to Community Welfare
In his remarks, His Excellency Shams Ali Khalfan Al-Dhaheri, Head of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, highlighted that Abu Dhabi places individuals and families at the forefront of its social development objectives. He stated, “The expansion of the ‘Nabd’ centres reflects this vision by creating integrated community spaces in the heart of residential areas, ensuring ongoing opportunities for communication, learning, and participation, ultimately fostering more connected communities and enhancing quality of life.”
His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al-Sharfa, Head of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, reinforced this message by emphasising Abu Dhabi’s urban development vision which centres around human-focused planning. He noted, “The launch of ‘Nabd Al-Manhal’ and ‘Nabd Al-Waha’ is a qualitative step in developing facilities that enhance community life, bringing families and diverse community groups together, fostering communication and unity.”
Community Involvement and Future Opportunities
The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi encourages residents of Mohammed Bin Zayed City and surrounding areas to take part in the diverse programmes, initiatives, and activities offered at the “Nabd” centres. They also invite governmental entities and private sector organisations interested in contributing to community programmes to utilise the centres’ facilities and spaces for developing impactful initiatives that empower community members, support families, and enhance community engagement and overall quality of life.
Founded in 2018, the Department of Community Development operates as the regulatory body for the social sector in Abu Dhabi. Its focus is on enhancing community development through empowering individuals and fostering cohesive families. The department plays a central role in developing policies, strategies, and standards that improve the efficiency of social services through comprehensive data analysis, studies, and community engagement, ensuring that programmes and initiatives address the actual needs of various community groups.