The forum is organised by the Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD) at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.

Opening ceremony

The inauguration began with the UAE national anthem, followed by a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. The Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office then viewed a film titled “Endless Giving”, highlighting the status of the elderly in society, the blessings and goodwill they bestow, and the importance of learning authentic traditions through their company, alongside generosity and helping others.

The ceremony also witnessed the launch of the “Senior X” platform, a pioneering initiative celebrating the wisdom, achievements and inspiring journeys of senior citizens. It seeks to build bridges between generations by showcasing stories of resilience, innovation and contribution beyond the age of sixty. The platform aspires to become a global reference for meaningful dialogue, inspiration and appreciation of the elderly.

Opening speech

Ahmed Nasser Al Naqbi, Executive Director of the Branch Affairs Sector at the SSSD, delivered the opening speech, welcoming attendees to the forum, which he described as embodying Sharjah’s vision of empowering the elderly and strengthening their role as a source of experience, inspiration and continuous giving to society.

He affirmed that the sustainability of this forum is a pioneering approach adopted by Sharjah to provide the finest services to the elderly, stemming from the wise vision and unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in cementing the Emirate’s position as a global model of a cohesive society that values and honours its elderly.

The Executive Director praised the cooperation of institutions, bodies and work teams, whose collective efforts and dedication have strengthened the Emirate’s position.

He noted that Sharjah was the first Arab city to join the World Health Organisation’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, reflecting the extensive services available to senior citizens. These include free healthcare, home nursing services, medicine delivery, physiotherapy sessions at home, and dedicated transport for daily, social and recreational needs.

He concluded his speech by highlighting the Department’s efforts to develop the skills of the elderly and harness them through the Intaj Centre, which supports artisans and integrates them into the labour market to enhance household income and achieve self-sufficiency, in addition to the “Knowledge is Light” initiative, which enables senior citizens to learn reading and writing.

Panel discussion: Success Stories after Sixty

Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi attended a panel session titled “Success Stories after Sixty”. His Excellency Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC), spoke about his long journey of service spanning government and ministerial roles, culminating in the Council. He stressed the value of work as a means of productivity and effectiveness.

Al Nuaimi noted that poetry is a divine gift rather than a learned science, serving national, social and cultural purposes. He underlined the importance of investing time wisely and managing it effectively for personal benefit, confirming that Sharjah has become a reference in elderly care, providing all means of comfort.

Khamis bin Salem Al Suwaidi, Advisor in the Sharjah Ruler’s Office, also spoke about the importance of commitment to punctuality and discipline in various aspects of life—religious, personal and professional—stressing their positive impact both during one’s career and after retirement.

He emphasised respect for the elderly and the need to learn Islamic values and Emirati traditions from them. He revealed that his decision to retire had been in the interest of the institution, creating opportunities for others, and expressed his joy in witnessing the progress of government departments led by young talent.

Honouring winners of the Green Heart Award

Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi honoured the winners of the 4th edition of the Green Heart Award in its two categories: Active Senior and Advanced Age, across four fields. Aisha Abdullah Al Adhab won first place in the cultural field; Mariam Hilal Al Zaabi secured first place in the social field; Ghanem Obaid Al Alili came first in the health field; while Moza Ahmed Ibrahim won the professional field.

The Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office also honoured participating and supporting institutions and members of the working teams.

Exhibition of senior citizens’ creativity

On the sidelines of the forum, the Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office visited the accompanying exhibition, which showcased the creativity of senior members of the Department’s Asala Clubs.

He viewed artistic, handicraft and domestic products that reflect their expertise and renewed skills, including traditional crafts inspired by the Emirati environment. The exhibition serves as a platform for displaying their output, supporting sustained community engagement, and motivating them to continue producing and creating.

Local, regional and international participation

The forum hosts specialists in elderly care from local, regional and international organisations, including social and psychological experts, representatives of senior citizen associations, as well as policymakers and influencers in the field of active ageing. It presents pioneering experiences from around the world, highlighting successful models of community leadership and institutional excellence demonstrated by senior citizens whose renewed achievements continue to enrich their societies.

The forum features two main panel discussions with intellectual and humanistic themes. The first, “Success Stories after Sixty”, spotlights leading figures who have continued to excel after retirement across various fields. The second, “Positive Ageing and Well-being”, explores key concepts and practices that enhance elderly quality of life, such as mental health, community support, independence, and age-friendly environments.

Attendees

In addition to the Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office, the opening was attended by His Excellency Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC); Khamis bin Salem Al Suwaidi, Advisor in Sharjah Ruler’s Office; Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police; Ali Ahmed Abu Ghazin, Chairman of Sharjah Fish Resources Authority; Mariam Majid Al Shamsi, Chairperson of Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD); along with senior officials, forum guests, and elderly participants.