WAM/ The UAE, through its annual initiatives, is keen to galvanize citizens and residents of its fertile land towards further construction and development, instill a civilized behavior that places it at the center of global attention, highlight distinguished achievements that have effectively contributed to the country’s advancement, and commemorate an exceptional leader like the late founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul in peace. He led the UAE with an exceptional vision, leaving a clear and influential mark on the country’s history.
In this context, the Sharjah Suburbs Affairs Department affirmed its commitment to playing its part in effectively contributing to achieving the vision of the “Year of Community” initiative and building a cohesive and civilized society. This is achieved by organizing awareness and community activities and programs for residents of residential neighborhoods, spreading social and cultural awareness in coordination with relevant authorities, and harnessing the energies and skills of suburban residents to serve their community.
Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Member of the Sharjah Executive Council and Chairman of the Department of Suburbs Affairs, praised the “Year of Community” initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him. Under the slogan “Hand in Hand,” the initiative recognizes the role of citizens and residents in advancing the nation in all areas and fields.
He emphasized that the Department of Suburbs Affairs in the Emirate of Sharjah, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, continues to implement its vision aimed at strengthening family and community cohesion through an integrated system of initiatives and services targeting citizens in the various regions of the emirate. He praised its role as a link between the government and the community, contributing to happiness and quality of life in Sharjah.
He expressed the Department of Suburbs Affairs’ pride in being a community institution that embodies the “Year of Community” initiative, which considers citizens a national asset and that building the nation is everyone’s responsibility. He emphasized its excellence in developing and implementing development plans and initiatives aimed at bringing happiness to citizens and residents, and fulfilling the Emirate of Sharjah’s commitment to promoting social values and continuously advancing the values of happiness and stability. He added, “Through its continuous efforts and fruitful partnerships, the Department of Suburbs Affairs has proven that integrated community work is the cornerstone of establishing social stability and sustainable development in the UAE.”
Over the past year, the department’s statistics indicate that its community activities and mobilization are carried out through 15 Suburb Councils and five Parents’ Councils, all of which work to meet the social, cultural, and service needs of residents.
The department considers Suburb Councils not merely headquarters and offices, but rather the vibrant hearts of social life and gathering places for residents to enhance communication and solve problems, as is evident from the figures and statistics. Last year, the department completed 350 public service requests, urgent requests, and dispute settlements, in addition to 129 cultural, social, and religious initiatives, and hosted 60 events for local, federal, and private sector partners. The councils also launched 100 community initiatives under the “Yalsatna” initiative, and contributed to strengthening family ties through visits by council members to residents. They also organized 557 wedding and public events.
The department explained that its Community Affairs Department, as part of its social responsibility, handled 98 social cases, while providing 1,783 services to the families of the deceased, benefiting 683 families, including 41 requests to address and settle the debts of insolvent deceased individuals.
On the education front, figures and statistics show that the Parents’ Councils Department continues to deliver its support programs, with a total of 134 initiatives and 141 visits to parents and schools, targeting 6,318 students, in addition to 6,128 parents and community members, to enhance integration between school and family.
She emphasized that last year marked a distinctive milestone in the department’s journey, as the “Suburbs 13” Festival is one of the most prominent community programs that brings families together in an atmosphere of entertainment and culture. It was held with the support of five main partners, 18 sponsoring entities, and 25 participating entities, and attracted 108,318 visitors, presenting a model of community cohesion and celebration of national identity.
