Ministry of Interior Hosts “Year of Community” Forum at Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi
The General Directorate of Community Protection and Crime Prevention at the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Federal Social Support Department, in collaboration with the Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi, organized the Year of Community Forum. The forum served as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange, bringing together security, academic, and social leaders, alongside students, to share insights and experiences on promoting community identity and reinforcing family cohesion. Aligned with the objectives of the Year of Community, held under the slogan Hand in Hand, the forum sought to instill values of community unity and strengthen the roles of security, academic, and community institutions in upholding national and humanitarian principles.
The forum was attended by His Excellency Brigadier Mohammed Humaid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Office of His Highness the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Colonel Dr. Saif Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of Community Protection and Crime Prevention; Colonel Dr. Ahmed Subaian Al Tenaiji, Director of the Federal Social Support Department; Dr. Hassan Al Muhairi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Regulation and Governance of the Higher Education and Scientific Research Sector; Dr. Michael Koh, Chief Academic Officer at the Higher Colleges of Technology; along with several directors of social support centers, police leadership, professors, students specializing in social work, and a group of social and psychological specialists from the security and academic sectors.
In his address, Brigadier General Mohammed Humaid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri affirmed that the support of the wise leadership for efforts aimed at enhancing social cohesion forms the foundation of a secure and harmonious society. He stressed that the "Year of Community" initiative emanates from a comprehensive vision guided by the directives of the leadership to engage all community institutions in reinforcing national values and improving community life, thereby contributing to the development of a generation that is conscious of societal issues.
Colonel Dr. Saif Al Khuraibani Al Nuaimi highlighted the significance of activating the preventive roles of security institutions in facing contemporary societal challenges. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts across sectors in preserving the social fabric and promoting the principle of prevention before intervention. We believe that security begins with the family, and that effective prevention stems from empowering individuals with knowledge and awareness. This is the core of the work we undertake at the Community Protection and Crime Prevention Department in coordination with our strategic partners, he said.
Colonel Dr. Ahmed Subaian Al Tenaiji noted that the forum coincides with the declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community, a national initiative aimed at entrenching values of belonging, contribution, and unity, and enhancing community cohesion. He remarked, This gathering reflects the wise vision of our leadership to build a cohesive and sustainable society, with the family as its cornerstone. A happier, more connected, and educated family leads to a stronger and safer society.
He further emphasized that community security is intrinsically linked to family stability, pointing out that this understanding was reflected in the establishment of the Ministry of Family Affairs, alongside the Ministries of Tolerance and Community Empowerment, as strategic pillars for achieving sustainable social equilibrium.
The forum featured a range of discussions, notably the introduction of the Year of Community 2025 and its strategic objectives. It also underscored the role of social workers in nurturing community identity through real-life experiences presented by the Social Support Department, showcasing successful practices and innovative proposals from staff and students in service of the Year of Community. It additionally shed light on the field training experiences of social service students and the impact of these experiences on their academic and professional development.
A panel discussion titled The Role of the Social Worker in Society brought together a distinguished group of social and psychological experts, faculty members, and students from the Higher Colleges of Technology. The session aimed to spotlight the vital role of social workers in supporting societal cohesion and enhancing professional intervention strategies in the face of evolving social challenges.
Interactive sessions were also held with social work students, exploring their prospective contributions to preserving social cohesion, developing modern community programs in tune with societal developments in the UAE, and integrating graduates into impactful initiatives.
The forum concluded with a tour of an accompanying exhibition showcasing student projects from the Higher Colleges of Technology and community-driven initiatives. Participating entities were honored in appreciation of their contributions to the forum's success and the realization of its objectives.