Abu Dhabi expands Nabdh network with two community hubs in Mohamed bin Zayed City
The Department of Community Development and the Department of Municipalities and Transport have opened Nabdh Al Manhal and Nabdh Al Waha, bringing integrated family-focused facilities and a new community event hall into the heart of Mohamed bin Zayed City.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD), in partnership with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), has unveiled two new neighbourhood hubs — Nabdh Al Manhal and Nabdh Al Waha — in Mohamed bin Zayed City, extending the emirate’s network of Nabdh community centres closer to residents.
Built for families and neighbourhood life
The initiative advances Abu Dhabi’s model of integrated community hubs, conceived to bring communal services and activities into residential areas and to respond directly to local needs. The expansion forms part of the emirate’s drive to create communities “centred on families and their wellbeing”, and coincides with the UAE Year of Family 2026, underlining a policy emphasis on family as the foundation of social cohesion and quality of life.
Facilities and programmes
Both hubs offer a broad array of indoor and outdoor spaces designed to host community life: outdoor gardens; the Majlisna initiative run by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority; a modern, fully equipped multipurpose hall; shared spaces for community programmes and events; dedicated rooms for children and youth; and sports facilities. The hubs will stage activities across five main areas: social and recreational programmes; health and sports; educational programmes and skills development; social empowerment programmes; and cultural programmes that promote national identity.
Partnerships to maximise impact
DCD said the new centres will operate in cooperation with government entities, private-sector institutions and third-sector organisations to make full use of the facilities and develop initiatives that strengthen families and neighbourhood ties. The intent, officials say, is to strengthen social cohesion, reduce isolation and broaden participation across age groups and social segments — from children and youth to parents, senior citizens and people of determination.
The expansion also follows the example set by Nabdh Al Falah, which DCD cites as a successful prototype in encouraging community participation and fostering stronger local bonds. The new hubs are presented as part of the implementation of directives from “His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.”
Community Event Hall opens alongside Nabdh Al Manhal
The official opening of Nabdh Al Manhal coincided with the inauguration of the Mohamed bin Zayed City Community Event Hall by the Department of Municipalities and Transport. The multi-purpose venue is intended to serve citizens and government entities, and to provide a dedicated space for family occasions, community gatherings, government exhibitions and national and public events. On weekends it will host Medeem weddings, offering young Emiratis an accessible venue that helps lower wedding costs and support community initiatives.
His Excellency Shams Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Chairman of DCD, said: “Abu Dhabi places people and families at the heart of its social development priorities, based on a vision that recognises that the strength of society begins with empowered individuals, cohesive and stable families, and a connected, active community. The expansion of Nabdh hubs translates this vision into reality by creating integrated community spaces within residential areas, close to people and their needs, offering families and individuals ongoing opportunities to connect, learn, and participate, and contributing to more connected communities and a higher quality of life.
“As we celebrate the UAE Year of Family 2026, this step takes on even greater significance, as it reflects our commitment to translating our focus on the family into tangible initiatives and experiences that form part of their daily lives. Our ambition is for Nabdh hubs to be more than just community facilities; we want them to be a vital part of the fabric of the daily life, where children, youth, people of determination, parents, and senior citizens come together, generations connect, and community members participate in programmes and activities that strengthen their capabilities, social bonds, and sense of belonging within their community. We will continue, in cooperation with our partners, to develop this model and expand its impact to reach more areas and families across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.”
His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said: “Abu Dhabi’s vision for urban development is rooted in the clear principle of putting people at the heart of planning. It is about creating integrated neighbourhoods where quality of life is felt every day. The launch of Nabdh Al Manhal and Nabdh Al Waha marks a major step in evolving local amenities into vibrant, accessible hubs that are close to home. They will provide welcoming spaces for people from all walks of life to come together, build relationships and feel more connected to where they live.
“This project reflects the close collaboration across government to ensure that planning supports social priorities. Working alongside the Department of Community Development and our partners, we are committed to creating sustainable destinations that adapt to residents’ changing needs, enhance the vitality of residential areas and further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading model for cities built around people, families, and society.”
DCD invited residents of Mohamed bin Zayed City and surrounding areas to make use of the hubs’ programmes and facilities, and called on government bodies, private institutions and third-sector groups to collaborate on delivering high‑quality community initiatives that empower families and enhance civic participation.