Suleiman Al Naqbi, Director of the Sharjah Social Services Department, said the “Anwar” initiative aims to transfer the knowledge and expertise of senior citizens to students at academic institutions by enabling them to join students in classrooms and participate in dialogue sessions.

The department has also introduced the “Wafaa” Card, which provides senior citizens with free services from government and private entities.

Al Naqbi said the 15th edition of the forum reflects Sharjah’s vision of moving beyond caring for older adults towards empowering them, investing in their expertise and ensuring their contributions remain present in society.

Speaking to Sharjah24, he explained that the emirate is developing an integrated system to preserve the dignity and quality of life of senior citizens while creating wider opportunities for them to contribute to and participate in society.

He stressed that the knowledge and experiences of parents and grandparents constitute valuable human capital that can help build the future and pass their impact on to coming generations, with service providers working together in support of the community.