Abu Dhabi has launched the Cities for Families Framework, the first framework of its kind in the region. It provides a clear roadmap for creating communities where families can thrive, with homes, public spaces, services and neighbourhoods designed to better support children, families, caregivers, seniors and People of Determination.
The framework was unveiled during LIVEX 2026 by Her Excellency Sana bint Mohamed Suhail, Minister of Family and Director General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA); His Excellency Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD); and His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
Developed over two years under the Inclusive City Memorandum of Understanding for People of Determination, seniors and families, signed by the three entities, the framework draws on a review of existing practices in Abu Dhabi, such as the Disability Friendly Cities & Communities Framework developed by the Department of Community Development in close partnership with government and private partners , and leading international practices to help shape neighbourhoods, transport, services and the urban environment to better respond to the needs of families, while reflecting Abu Dhabi’s unique context and the aspirations of its community. Implementation will be guided by a phased roadmap, developed in partnership with government entities and key stakeholders, to translate the framework’s objectives into tangible, measurable outcomes across the emirate.
The framework’s five goals are translated into 15 strategies and 63 practical actions guiding planning, policy, investment and service delivery across the emirate. In practice, this means Abu Dhabi is focusing on having communities that are easier to navigate and more inclusive: shorter journeys, services closer to home, shaded and accessible routes, and public spaces that work for every age and ability. It brings the ambitions of the UAE's Year of Family 2026 into the places people and services use every day.
His Excellency Dr Yousef Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Knowledge & Impact Sector at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, said: “A family-friendly city is one that makes everyday life easier for families. It is about making it easier to get around, access services, find safe places to play and spend time together, and feel connected to the community. We want families to feel that the city works for them. The Cities for Families Framework gives us a practical way to turn this ambition into action. Through it, we can make changes that families can see and feel in their everyday lives. Because when we design cities with families in mind, we create better places for everyone.”
Her Excellency Dr Layla Al Hayas, Executive Director of the Family and Child Welfare Sector at the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, said: “The launch of the Cities for Families Framework during the UAE’s Year of Family 2026 reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to placing family needs and stability at the foundation of development. At the Department of Community Development, we work to develop integrated policies and frameworks that are informed by an understanding of families’ needs and respond to social change, supporting family cohesion and quality of life for all family members at every stage of life.
“This framework builds on these efforts by connecting social development priorities with urban planning and guiding the development of neighbourhoods, public spaces and services in ways that support community cohesion. Together with our partners, we are working to translate it into practical measures that make daily life easier, ensure equitable access to services and opportunities for participation, and strengthen connections between generations.
Noura Al Ameri, Acting Executive Director of the Policies and Built Environment Sector at the Urban Planning and Permits Centre, said: “The Cities for Families Framework provides an integrated reference that helps translate the needs of families into planning considerations, policies and practical requirements that can be embedded across the different stages of community development. By placing families at the heart of planning from the earliest stages, we can take a more holistic view of what makes everyday life easier and more convenient, from the proximity of services and facilities to accessibility, mobility, public spaces and the quality of the built environment. Through this approach, we are working with our partners to shape communities that respond better to the needs of families today, while remaining adaptable to their needs in the future.”
The framework is already bringing partners from across Abu Dhabi together to help turn its vision into action. At LIVEX 2026, ECA brought together representatives from 16 government and private sector organisations to identify priority areas and explore pilot initiatives that could help put the framework into practice across the emirate.
