Age is no barrier to staying active, and 75 senior Emirati women in Abu Dhabi have demonstrated just that. The Family Development Foundation (FDF) has honoured 75 participants who completed the second season of its Our Mothers Challenge Walkathon – Counting Our Steps initiative. Together, the women recorded more than nine million steps, celebrating the importance of movement, community participation and healthy ageing.
75 Senior Emirati Women Recognised For Their Achievement
.@fdfuae has honoured 75 senior Emirati women participating in the second edition of the Our Mothers Challenge Walkathon during a closing ceremony in partnership with PureHealth, and in collaboration with ADNOC and Active Abu Dhabi, held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, recognising their commitment to embracing healthy and active lifestyles.
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) November 1, 2026
The recognition ceremony took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi) on November 1, 2026. The initiative was organised by the Family Development Foundation in partnership with PureHealth, with support from ADNOC and Active Abu Dhabi. The closing ceremony celebrated the determination and commitment of the 75 women who took part in the second season of the walkathon. Their combined achievement of more than nine million steps highlighted how community-led activities can encourage senior citizens to maintain active lifestyles.
Sheikha Mouza bint Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Ambassador for Senior Citizens Projects at PureHealth, and Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, honoured the participants.
The event also brought together representatives and employees from the Family Development Foundation, PureHealth and ADNOC, alongside the Active Abu Dhabi team, senior citizens and other participants.
How The Our Mothers Challenge Walkathon Supports Healthy Ageing
The Our Mothers Challenge Walkathon – Counting Our Steps is part of the Family Development Foundation’s wider efforts to improve the quality of life of senior citizens.
Through initiatives such as this, the foundation encourages older residents to incorporate physical activity into their routines while supporting their physical and mental wellbeing. The programme also aims to strengthen social connections and give senior citizens more opportunities to participate in community life.
According to Sheikha Mouza bint Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the initiative highlights the importance of preventive healthcare and physical activity in supporting active and sustainable ageing. She also acknowledged the role of PureHealth and its partners in developing community-based programmes that promote healthier lifestyles.
Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi noted that empowering senior citizens is not just about recognising their contributions over the years. It is also about valuing their experience and ensuring they remain active members of society.
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Abu Dhabi Initiative Also Highlights Preventive Healthcare
The closing ceremony included a panel discussion moderated by Dr Fatima Al Ghafli, Director of Pharmacy at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City.
The discussion focused on preventive healthcare and health promotion for senior citizens. It also covered ways to maintain wellbeing, independence and good health in later life, while highlighting the importance of community support.
The initiative received support from several organisations, including PureHealth, ADNOC and Active Abu Dhabi. Their collaboration reflects a wider effort to promote physical activity and improve the quality of life of older members of the community.
With more than nine million steps recorded in its second season, the Our Mothers Challenge Walkathon sends a meaningful message about staying active at every age. It also recognises the senior Emirati women whose participation has helped make the initiative a community achievement.
Cover Image Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Media Office/Website
FAQs
How many senior Emirati women were honoured by Abu Dhabi's Family Development Foundation?
The Family Development Foundation honoured 75 senior Emirati women for their participation in the second season of the Our Mothers Challenge Walkathon – Counting Our Steps.
Where was the Our Mothers Challenge Walkathon closing ceremony held?
The closing ceremony took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi) on November 1, 2026.
