Dubai:As part of its mandate to implement the provisions of the emirate’s ‘Policy for the Elderly’, the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai hotline 800988 will be receiving from today  around the clock elderly’s request and inquiries in order to enhance their protection and safety. The hotline will also enable CDA to build an integrated database, which can be utilized for programs and services development, in collaboration with public and private stakeholders, to improve the life quality  and ensure the safety of the elderly.        

The elderly or their caregivers may call the 24/7 hotline to report abuse, make protection and support requests, or inquire about medical, legal and social services. A well-trained team who speak Arabic and English will take the calls and process all reports and inquiries under the supervision of social care and elderly protection experts. They will ensure timely response and urgent action, if needed, in cooperation with concerned authorities. 

This initiative forms part of CDA’s continued efforts to provide members of the communities, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society such as the elderly, women, children and people of determination, with direct access to various communication channels and public assistance. The hotline will help further protect and facilitate intervention in the event of abuse or mistreatment.  

During the pandemic, CDA has begun creating a database containing the personal information of senior citizens and residents of Dubai such as their social status, health conditions and place of residence as part of the ‘Secure Together’ initiative.  The database will enable CDA to better identify and address the needs of the elderly by designing appropriate care and support programs.

Huraiz Al-Mur Bin Huraiz, CEO Development and Social Care Sector, CDA, said: “Our wise leadership prioritizes elderly care. This led the Dubai Executive Council to adopt in May a CDA policy focused on empowering the elderly, encouraging communities to use their experience to build better society, and increasing their community engagement. Since essential care and protection against abuse and neglect are an integral part of the policy, the hotline will further strengthen the current protection system by enabling a 24/7 platform where Dubai citizens and residents can contact to report cases of elderly abuse and neglect, as well as submit inquiries regarding available services.”        

Bin Huraiz added: “We at CDA are working closely with public and private stakeholders, prominently Dubai Police, the Health Authority and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, to ensure fast and efficient response to emergencies and better protect our citizens and residents. The recently launched hotline will enhance our abilities to accurately identify the needs of the elderly in Dubai and protect and support them.”        

“In cooperation with its partners, CDA plans to develop care and support programs for the elderly expatriates in Dubai, with emphasis on protecting them from any form of abuse, neglect or exploitation,” Bin Huraiz concluded.    

Apart from the hotline, CDA can also receive requests, inquiries and reports via email at [email protected] or its main call center at 8002121.