Abu Dhabi Hosts Social Care Forum 2025 for Future Readiness

The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Deloitte Middle East, is all set to host the second edition of the Social Care Forum 2025. This important event will bring together leaders, experts, and policymakers from around the world to discuss the future of social care, focusing on people, professional practices, and policies.

The forum is scheduled to take place on 24-25 September 2025 at the Hilton Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. The theme for this year is “Future Ready Social Care: People, Practice, and Policy”, emphasizing the need to prepare the social care sector for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

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A Platform for Strategic Dialogue and Knowledge Sharing

The Social Care Forum has established itself as a key platform for discussion and knowledge exchange. It will highlight important global trends and future developments in social care. The main focus will be on empowering talent, encouraging innovation, and using modern technology to improve social services. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for people in the community.

The programme of the forum is built around three main pillars:

1. Empowering individuals – helping people gain skills, support, and opportunities.

2. Advancing professional practice – improving how social care professionals work and deliver services.

3. Reshaping social policies – updating policies to meet the future needs of society.

Attendees and Participants

The forum will host a distinguished group of attendees, including:

• Ministers and policymakers from the UAE and other countries

• Local and international social care experts

• Professionals working in social care

• Representatives from government and private organizations

• Researchers, academics, and university students

By bringing these groups together, the forum will promote collaboration, create partnerships, and help improve the social care sector locally, regionally, and globally. The event also aligns with the Year of Community in Abu Dhabi and supports the government’s vision of a more inclusive and sustainable social sector.

Key Highlights of the Forum

The forum will feature a wide range of discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions. These will cover important topics such as:

• Support programs for different life stages – from children to senior citizens

• The voice of frontline social care workers – giving professionals a platform to share challenges

• Innovative and evidence-based care models – showcasing best practices and new approaches

• Data-driven policy development – exploring how data can improve social care services

Opening Day – September 24, 2025

The first day of the forum will begin with a lecture by Dr. Hilary Cottam, titled The Principles of 21st Century Care: Radical Care. Dr. Cottam is a well-known author, social entrepreneur, and policy adviser. Her lecture will provide insights into modern approaches to social care.

Following this, Dr. Victor Pineda, an expert in human rights and President of the Victor Pineda Foundation / World Enabled, will speak on Breakthroughs in Social Care: A Human/AI Framework for Inclusive Futures. He will discuss how technology, including artificial intelligence, can be used to create more inclusive and effective social care systems.

The opening day will also feature a high-level ministerial dialogue, where ministers from different countries will discuss the future of social care, share national perspectives, present innovative policies, and talk about strategies to improve government services.

Additional sessions on day one include:

• Social care workforce wellbeing – focusing on mental health and support for professionals

• Redefining Ageing – a talk by Colin Milner, Founder and CEO of the International Council on Active Ageing, on innovation, inclusion, and the future of longevity

• Other interactive sessions and workshops aimed at sharing knowledge and practical solutions

Second Day – September 25, 2025

The second day will feature:

• An interview with Dr. Sarah Carlick, Director of MeSafe, discussing important social care initiatives

• A panel on “The Voice of the Frontline Workforce”, giving social care workers a chance to share their experiences and suggestions

• Interactive sessions on:

  • Effective social care models for older adults, including supported care and housing

  • Innovative practices for attracting and retaining talent in the social care sector

Exhibition and Training Sessions

Alongside the main forum, a special exhibition will take place, where government, private, and third-sector organizations can showcase their work, smart solutions, and innovative tools to improve community services. This provides an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with decision-makers.

The forum will also offer specialized training sessions, including:

• Artificial Intelligence and Analytics in Social Care – for Leaders with Daniel Casson

• Artificial Intelligence and Analytics in Social Care – for Professionals with Professor Laurie Goldkind of Fordham University

• Child Protection and Early Risk Detection with Professor Abdel Wadoud Kharboush

• Behavioural Insights for Better Policies

Additional workshops will cover:

• Trauma-Informed Case Management in Social Care by Jenny Gray

• Fostering Child and Family Resiliency in Adversity by Dr. Azhar Abu-ali

These sessions aim to equip social care professionals with the skills needed to adapt to future challenges, improve their practice, and make a tangible impact on the lives of individuals and families.

Importance and Goals of the Forum

Mubarak Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Social Licensing and Control Sector at the Department of Community Development, emphasized: “This edition focuses on empowering social care professionals through specialised training. It ensures that global best practices are adapted to Abu Dhabi’s context, making them practical and impactful for the community.”

The forum also aims to:

• Reform community policies

• Encourage the use of digital innovations

• Expand social services, especially for vulnerable groups

• Enhance workforce competence and credibility in service delivery

Through these efforts, Abu Dhabi strengthens its leadership role in the region, becoming a hub for developing advanced social care practices and policies.

Building on the Success of 2024

The first edition of the Social Care Forum in 2024 was a major success. It featured over 40 local and international speakers and produced key recommendations, such as:

• Investing in human capital

• Adopting AI-driven solutions

• Encouraging public–private partnerships

The 2025 forum aims to turn these recommendations into real programs and discussions, making a positive impact on the social care sector and ensuring Abu Dhabi continues to lead in regional and global social care development.

The Social Care Forum 2025 promises to be an essential event for anyone interested in improving social care services, supporting communities, and preparing the sector for the challenges of the future. Through discussions, training, and collaboration, the forum aims to create a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable social care system for all.

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