Salem bin Abdulrahman attends 13th Elderly Services Forum

The ceremony commenced with the UAE national anthem. Following this, Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi and the attendees heard success stories from various officials in the department. They discussed the services offered to the elderly, including home nursing, medication delivery, and social support, highlighting the positive impact of these services on the elderly beneficiaries.
During the ceremony, the Social Services Department launched the Parents Ambassadors Programme, titled "Safe Digital Life Ambassadors." This initiative aims to train and equip students aged 10 to 16 to raise awareness about the importance of a safe digital life among their peers in schools. The programme focuses on promoting safe digital behaviours, developing leadership skills, and enhancing students' abilities and self-confidence, while also fostering values of initiative and leadership.
Following that, Afaf Ibrahim Al Marri, Head of the Social Services Department, delivered a recorded speech welcoming Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi and the attendees. She expressed her gratitude for their presence at the forum, which builds on previous events focused on sharing experiences and enhancing services for the elderly. She emphasised that in Sharjah, community life is designed to ensure individuals enjoy a dignified and secure existence.
Al Marri clarified that the speech she delivered was a simulated voice created using artificial intelligence. She highlighted how these technologies enable institutions to enhance services for the elderly by leveraging AI tools to enrich knowledge, improve task quality, and offer proactive services that anticipate the needs of the elderly, delivering support before it is even requested.
Following that, the Social Services Department announced the launch of a new service: the smart virtual social advisor. This initiative aims to diversify communication channels with the elderly and ensure quick and easy access to departmental services through a smart platform, allowing beneficiaries to connect directly with the department and receive services with convenience.
In a recorded speech, Thiago Herrick De Sa, Technical Officer for Age-Friendly Environments and Demographic Change at the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, commended the Emirate of Sharjah for its efforts in supporting the elderly. He noted that today’s forum is a testament to Sharjah's dedication to fostering a suitable environment for older residents.
He added, "We are stronger when we collaborate to expand the programme and create inclusive environments that empower both the elderly and future generations. This year's forum emphasises artificial intelligence, which plays a crucial role in delivering top-notch services, connecting the community with older individuals, and mitigating potential health, social, and other risks they may face."
Director of the Elderly Services Department at the Ministry, Dr Fatima bin Dhafari, then took the stage to express her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the forum. She praised the significant efforts and services offered by the Emirate of Sharjah for the elderly, highlighting its status as the only Arab city in the global network of age-friendly cities. She also addressed the challenges facing health, social, and economic systems in tackling health and development priorities.
Bin Dhafari added, "We should prioritise positive communication to exchange experiences and conduct joint research and studies that support the infrastructure of health information and social indicators related to the well-being of the elderly."
Shamma Alsaedi, from Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence then introduced her innovative smart application called "Limb." This app enables the elderly to engage in suitable exercise routines through video clips demonstrating safe movements to prevent injuries. It also features a control panel that allows physical therapists to monitor the elderly's condition and create tailored treatment plans, ultimately reducing recovery time and treatment costs while providing precise information to therapists, making exercise more accessible and enjoyable for the elderly.
Ahmed Kamel Mohamed from Amazon delivered a presentation highlighting the company’s initiatives to offer various services and electronic devices beneficial to the elderly, including "Alexa," smartwatches, and tracking devices for use during solitary moments. He also addressed the significant challenges posed by the increasing elderly population in the Gulf region, particularly the shortage of nursing staff, underscoring the necessity of using artificial intelligence to safeguard the well-being of older individuals.
Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi then honoured the winners of the Active Seniors category: the age group between 60 and 79 years, and the Advanced Seniors category: the age group 80 years and above, recognising achievements in cultural, professional, health, and social fields. He also acknowledged organisations and institutions that are supportive of the elderly.
The Chairman of the Ruler's Office received a commemorative plaque from the forum organisers on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in recognition of his ongoing dedication, efforts, and directives in supporting the elderly and ensuring they receive the best services.
Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi was honoured by the Elderly Services Forum in recognition of his efforts since the programme's launch in 2017. He played a pivotal role in its early development and significantly contributed to the Emirate of Sharjah's membership in the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities.
The forum aims to share insights and experiences on the concepts, practices, and applications of artificial intelligence in serving the elderly. It focuses on the latest scientific advancements in AI, enhancing practices to address social changes, and improving the quality of life for the elderly amid rapid lifestyle developments.
The forum emphasises recent changes in the concept of aging and explores strategies to enhance community services for the elderly, particularly in light of rapid advancements in technology and innovation. It discusses how artificial intelligence can improve the lives of older individuals, focusing on the impact of technological and medical innovations on their quality of life. Additionally, the forum reviews AI technologies and their integration into daily routines to promote independence and facilitate effective self-care.
On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi received an overview of the Sharjah Age-Friendly Office's initiatives through eight electronic panels. These panels highlighted the office's achievements, particularly Sharjah's membership in the World Health Organisation's Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities. This milestone reflects the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, making Sharjah the only Arab member of the network. The office adheres to the global standards required for membership, fostering a sustainable environment that caters to the needs of the elderly.
Attending the opening ceremony alongside Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, were Afaf Ibrahim Al Marri, Head of the Social Services Department; Ahmed Al Mail, Director of the Social Services Department; Engineer Ibrahim Mohammed Al Hosani, Director of the Housing Department; and several officials and representatives from participating organisations, as well as members of the elderly community.