The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi has announced the second edition of the Social Care Forum. Under the theme “Future-Ready Social Care: People, Practice, and Policy,” the forum will take place on 24–25 September 2025 at Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. The forum is in line with the aspirations of the UAE Year of Community, and is part of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the social care ecosystem and foster strategic dialogue aimed at enhancing quality of life.
The forum will bring together leading experts, decision-makers, and local and international specialists in the social sector to explore key trends and developments in this vital field.
The forum builds on the success of its first edition launched by the Department in 2024, which served as a strategic platform for social care stakeholders to address key challenges and opportunities, and contributed to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s integrated social care system. The forum supports ongoing efforts to enhance quality of life through developing social policies and services and exchanges global experiences and best practices.
Mubarak Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Licensing and Social control Sector at the Department of Community Development, said that the first edition of the Social Care Forum served as a pioneering regional platform that brought together a wide range of local and international professionals and enriched strategic dialogue based on knowledge and practical experience.
“In this second edition, we continue to build on that momentum by deepening the discussions and expanding participation around the future of the social care system.”
He stated that this year’s forum focuses on key themes including the future of social policies, workforce empowerment, data-driven practices, as well as the role of partnerships, technology, and innovation in developing sustainable social solutions. The forum also aligns with the objectives of the UAE Year of the Community through supporting families and communities and enhancing social cohesion and well-being
The second edition of the forum will highlight a wide range of essential topics that align with future trends in the social care sector, including the role of governments in shaping the future of care, the impact of digital transformation and artificial intelligence on service delivery and its implications for social care professionals and institutions, the empowerment of specialised workforces, and the strengthening of public-private partnerships. It will also explore emerging social issues such as child protection and family cohesion, while emphasising the importance of adopting inclusive and evidence-based care models that meet the needs of all community groups, including children, youth, senior citizens, and families
The forum will also focus on topics such as attracting young talent, promoting supportive work environments, and developing proactive support programmes that cover different life stages. It will explore successful global experiences in social policy and dedicate space to showcasing the work of field professionals and presenting innovative models that can be applied in practice.
Interactive sessions will feature hands-on presentations and direct audience discussions addressing various topics such as elder care, family empowerment, youth development, and the measurement of social policy impact. The forum will also offer a specialised training programme through certified tracks covering critical topics including the use of artificial intelligence in social care services, child protection and early risk detection, trauma-informed case management, and child and parent-centered family care. These programmes represent a valuable opportunity to enhance the competencies of social care professionals and develop their practical skills within a long-term professional development journey.
The Social Care Forum reflects the Department of Community Development’s commitment to building a safe and inclusive social environment in Abu Dhabi by developing policies and programmes based on global best practices, activating collaboration frameworks and knowledge exchange to drive meaningful impact and build a modern
