The Elderly Care Home in Sharjah, affiliated with the Sharjah Social Services Department, celebrated its 40th anniversary under the slogan “40 Years of Impact Makers.” The ceremony was held at the Sheraton Sharjah Hotel, in the presence of Ahmed Nasser, Director of Branch Affairs; Maryam Al Qatari, Executive Director of the Care and Protection Sector and Director of the Elderly Care Home; residents of the home; as well as officials, strategic partners, and staff members.

“Sons of Goodness”

The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a speech delivered by Maryam Al Qatari, in which she expressed her respect and appreciation for this cherished group of citizens, whom she referred to as “Sons of Goodness.”

In her speech, she said:

“Today, we celebrate 40 years since the establishment of the Elderly Care Home—a humanitarian and social journey we are proud of. Since its inception, this institution has served as a pioneering model in providing comprehensive care for the elderly, inspired by the values of compassion, solidarity, and respect deeply rooted in Sharjah’s community.

She added that over the decades, the administration has worked to develop an integrated system of health, social, and psychological services that ensure a dignified and safe life for the elderly, while reinforcing their active role in society. This mission, she noted, aligns with the vision of wise leadership, which emphasizes that the elderly are the memory and accumulated wisdom of the community.

A Model to Follow

Al Qatari continued:

“Since the beginning, and with the support of our leadership, we have been committed to making this home a model of comprehensive care that combines quality, respect, and human-centered attention befitting the status of the elderly in our society.”

She emphasized that the celebration is not only a moment to reflect on the past but also an opportunity to look ahead toward a brighter future—one that continues to enhance services, adopt smart initiatives, and improve quality of life in line with Sharjah’s vision as an age-friendly city.

Over the past 40 years, the Elderly Care Home has witnessed significant development through community programs and initiatives that enhance the well-being of the elderly and support their families, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a supportive and elder-friendly environment.

She concluded by reaffirming the commitment to advancing services, strengthening community and institutional partnerships, and adopting global best practices to ensure the highest levels of care and empowerment for the elderly. She also extended her gratitude to all staff, volunteers, and partners, stressing that serving the elderly is both an honor and a responsibility.

Visual Presentation and Partner Recognition

Following the keynote speech, a video presentation produced by the Government Communication Office—Marketing and Editing Department—was shown under the title “40 Years of Impact and Giving.” It featured interviews with the home director, staff, members, and doctors, along with highlights of various activities.

Strategic partners were then honored for their contributions to supporting the continuity of this humanitarian institution. They included:

• Sharjah Charity Association
• General Secretariat of Endowments
• Ministry of Health
• Beit Al Khair Society
• Abu Dhabi Hotels Company
• Sharjah Municipality

“Made by Their Hands” Exhibition

On the sidelines of the event, the “Made by Their Hands” exhibition was held—an innovative initiative aimed at engaging the elderly in practical activities beyond traditional entertainment. Organized throughout the year, the initiative involves elderly residents aged 60 and above preparing gift boxes.

The boxes are divided into two categories:

• Women’s boxes: jalabiyas, headscarves, perfumes
• Men’s boxes: kanduras, ghutras, agals, perfumes, and more

The boxes are sold, and all proceeds are allocated to meet the needs and medical equipment requirements of the Elderly Care Home’s registered residents.