Survey asks retired Abu Dhabi residents about challenges of life after career ends

Retired Abu Dhabi residents are being urged to open up about the challenges of life after work in a wide-ranging new survey.

The Department of Community Development is calling for candid views on a range of issues, from planning for retirement, how much pension people receive each month and whether suitable financial and social support is in place for those leaving employment.

Respondents are being asked what services should be rolled out for retired people as a priority, including counselling programmes to support mental health, volunteering initiatives and training and skills schemes to allow retirees to continue to play an active role in society and impart their knowledge and expertise.

The authority is hoping to receive at least 8,000 responses – from male and female pensioners living in the emirate – to ensure people receive the help and assistance they need to make a smooth transition from employment.

Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, chairman of the department, said the UAE is committed to supporting members of the public during all stages of life.

“The government is invested in meeting the needs of residents during the different stages of their lives, to improve living standards and [ensure] a comfortable life for all,” he said.

According to the UAE government, Emiratis working in the public and private sectors are eligible for pensions and other retirement benefits after reaching the retirement age of 49 or serving a minimum of 20 years in total. Expatriate employees have their end-of-service entitlement covered by the UAE’s gratuity scheme.

The anonymous online survey – available in Arabic and English – takes about 10 minutes to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions.

It is just the latest effort by the department to gauge opinion across the emirate on a variety of topics.

In September, Abu Dhabi residents were asked to offer their opinions on everything from domestic violence and financial debt to polygamy and eating habits, in a major study of family life.

Residents can take part in the latest questionnaire online by visiting https://bit. ly/32zbn6v