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The workshops are organised by the Social Education Department and the Sharjah Age-Friendly City Programme, affiliated with the Office of Age-Friendly Quality and Health Services. Sessions are being held in both Arabic and English to maximise impact.
According to Asmaa Al Khodari, Director of the Office of Age-Friendly Quality and Health Services, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts that support Sharjah’s membership in the World Health Organisation’s Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities, reinforcing its position as an age-inclusive city.
The aim is to raise awareness and preparedness among hospitality staff to offer high-quality, considerate service to elderly guests. This aligns with Sharjah’s broader vision of building an inclusive, people-centric environment that improves quality of life and encourages elderly visitors to explore the emirate’s diverse tourism offerings.
Na’ema Al Zarouni, Director of the Social Education Department, emphasised that caring for the elderly is one of the noblest human and moral acts. She added that what makes the experience more positive is understanding how best to interact with older individuals and seeking the most appropriate ways to support them. Helping others, she noted, is one of the key sources of inner happiness and contentment.
She explained that while her department has regularly conducted elderly care workshops, this is the first time sessions are targeted specifically at hotel employees. This move aims to encourage senior citizens to use hotel facilities with comfort and confidence.
The workshops, offered in both Arabic and English, include interactive exercises and competitions designed to deepen participants’ awareness and understanding.
One of the most important messages conveyed is the need for hotel staff to be aware of the specific needs of elderly guests and to approach them differently from other patrons. Staff should embody values such as compassion, kindness, empathy, patience, and tolerance — similar to how one would communicate with a child.
It is essential to simplify information when speaking with seniors and to inform them clearly of potential risks to enhance their safety. Establishing a relationship of trust is also vital, so that elderly guests feel secure and well cared for — which ultimately improves their overall hotel experience and reflects the quality of service provided.
Al Zarouni noted that ageing is a natural and inevitable part of life, through which people accumulate experience and wisdom. Respect and appreciation must form the basis of any interaction with the elderly, although many tend to overlook important aspects that could improve communication.
She stressed that helping others benefits not only the recipients but also those who provide the support — spiritually, ethically, and socially.
Al Zarouni affirmed that elderly people deserve honour and respect, as they hold a distinguished place in society. Islam has paid special attention to the care of older adults, considering their service and well-being as acts of goodness and blessing.
She praised the UAE’s efforts in this area, highlighting its strong legislative framework, including the Elderly Rights Law, which aims to protect their rights and ensure a dignified life for them as a cornerstone of the nation’s social, cultural, and religious fabric.
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