Dubai: Marking International Day of Older Persons, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) hosted a lunch banquet for a group of elderly Emiratis yesterday.
The banquet, held under the theme ‘Leaving no one behind: promoting a society for all’, took place at a restaurant in Dubai Festival City and was attended by Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, CEO of Dewa, a number of executive vice-presidents, and Dr Salwa Al Suwaidi, senior specialist registrar of geriatrics and director of the Family Gathering Centre.
“In line with its vision to become a sustainable world-class utility and its commitment to its corporate social responsibility, Dewa has launched several initiatives and development projects across all sections of society, including people with special needs and the elderly. This is part of the wider efforts of the Government of Dubai to support society at large. This gathering, which we are organising to observe the International Day of Older Persons, is one of the many ways in which we communicate with the elderly and express our appreciation and thanks for their notable achievements,” said Al Tayer.
Moza Al Akraf, acting CIO of Dewa, said that Dewa always strives to involve its staff in various social activities, and that meetings like these are important to promote social solidarity.
“Caring for the elderly has considerable importance in the UAE’s culture, as they are the foundation of the formation of our nation and role models for today’s generation, who have benefitted from their efforts,” Moza said.
Moza emphasised that it’s important that all individuals and organisations in society work together to care for senior citizens who have contributed a great deal to the growth that the UAE has achieved.
At the end of the banquet, Al Tayer honoured the elderly in observance of the occasion. During the event, participants listened to traditional and heritage Emirati poems and songs, in addition to other entertainment that they enjoyed.
