Abu Dhabi Unveils Cities for Families Framework to Transform Urban Planning
The emirate has launched a pioneering regional framework designed to place family needs at the centre of city planning, creating more inclusive neighbourhoods with accessible services, safer public spaces and communities that support children, seniors and people of all abilities.
Abu Dhabi has introduced the Cities for Families Framework, establishing a first-of-its-kind strategic approach to urban development that prioritises the needs of families, children, caregivers, seniors and people of determination across the emirate’s communities.
Unveiled during LIVEX 2026 by Her Excellency Sana bint Mohamed Suhail, Minister of Family and Director General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority; His Excellency Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development; and His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the framework represents the culmination of two years’ collaborative development.
Comprehensive Strategic Approach
The framework distils its vision into five overarching goals, which translate into 15 distinct strategies and 63 practical actions. These guide planning decisions, policy formation, investment allocation and service delivery across Abu Dhabi, ensuring a cohesive approach to creating family-centred communities.
The practical implementation focuses on fundamental improvements to daily urban life: designing neighbourhoods that are simpler to navigate, placing essential services within closer proximity, creating shaded and accessible pedestrian routes, and developing public spaces that welcome people of all ages and abilities. The initiative directly supports the UAE’s Year of Family 2026, embedding its ambitions into the physical spaces and services that families encounter throughout their daily routines.
Building on Established Excellence
The framework builds upon Abu Dhabi’s existing track record in inclusive urban design, drawing insights from the Disability Friendly Cities & Communities Framework previously developed by the Department of Community Development in partnership with government and private sector organisations. This foundation, combined with analysis of leading international practices, has shaped an approach that reflects both Abu Dhabi’s unique context and its community’s aspirations.
A phased implementation roadmap, developed in collaboration with government entities and key stakeholders, will translate the framework’s objectives into measurable outcomes across the emirate, ensuring that strategic vision translates into tangible community benefit.
Making Cities Work for Families
His Excellency Dr Yousef Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Knowledge & Impact Sector at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, explained the framework’s philosophy: “A family-friendly city is one that makes everyday life easier for families. It is about making it easier to get around, access services, find safe places to play and spend time together, and feel connected to the community. We want families to feel that the city works for them. The Cities for Families Framework gives us a practical way to turn this ambition into action.”
Her Excellency Dr Layla Al Hayas, Executive Director of the Family and Child Welfare Sector at the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, emphasised the framework’s role in supporting family stability: “The launch of the Cities for Families Framework during the UAE’s Year of Family 2026 reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to placing family needs and stability at the foundation of development. This framework builds on these efforts by connecting social development priorities with urban planning and guiding the development of neighbourhoods, public spaces and services in ways that support community cohesion.”
Noura Al Ameri, Acting Executive Director of the Policies and Built Environment Sector at the Urban Planning and Permits Centre, highlighted how the framework bridges social and physical planning: “The Cities for Families Framework provides an integrated reference that helps translate the needs of families into planning considerations, policies and practical requirements that can be embedded across the different stages of community development.”
Mobilising Partnership and Action
The framework is already catalysing collaborative action across Abu Dhabi’s public and private sectors. At LIVEX 2026, representatives from 16 government and private organisations convened to identify priority implementation areas and develop pilot initiatives that will bring the framework’s vision to life across the emirate.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office