Why Respect for Elders Is Deeply Rooted in UAE Culture Today 2025

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), culture and traditions play a big role in daily life, even in a fast-moving, modern society. Among these traditions, respect for elders stands tall as a value that has been passed down from generation to generation. Whether you walk the streets of Abu Dhabi, visit a family in Dubai, or attend a social gathering in Sharjah, you will see one thing in common — elders are always treated with special care, love, and honor.

A Tradition Deeply Rooted in UAE Culture

In Emirati culture, the family is considered the center of life. Grandparents, parents, and senior relatives are given the highest level of respect. This tradition is not just about politeness; it is part of the country’s identity. Elders are seen as sources of wisdom, experience, and guidance.

In the past, elders were the leaders of Bedouin tribes, responsible for making key decisions and solving problems. Their life lessons and stories helped younger generations survive in the harsh desert environment. Even today, their advice is sought in important family matters like marriage, business, and raising children.

This respect is not limited to homes. In public places like hospitals, banks, and government offices, elders receive priority services. Special seats are reserved for them in buses and metros. These gestures reflect the values of patience, kindness, and humility that the UAE wishes to promote in its citizens.

Laws and Policies to Protect and Honor Elders

The UAE government also plays a key role in promoting respect for elders. Several laws and initiatives ensure that senior citizens are cared for properly.

In 2019, the UAE government launched the “National Policy for Senior Emiratis” to guarantee the well-being of older citizens. This policy focuses on several areas such as healthcare, social inclusion, financial security, and community participation.

One important law is the Federal Law No. 9 of 2019 on the Rights of Older Persons. This law makes it the duty of families and relatives to look after their elderly members. It also provides support for elder care homes, offers free medical services, and gives priority to the elderly in various public and private sectors.

Programs like “We Are Your Family” were started to reduce the feeling of loneliness among elders who do not have close family around. Volunteers regularly visit elder care homes to spend time with the residents, talk to them, and offer emotional support.

Education and Public Campaigns for the Young Generation

The UAE’s Ministry of Education also encourages children and students to practice respect for elders from a young age. Schools teach students about the importance of caring for grandparents and older family members.

National events like “Elderly Day” are celebrated in schools, where children meet elders, listen to their life stories, and even perform small plays showing how to care for aging family members. These activities help keep traditional values alive among the youth.

In mosques across the UAE, Friday sermons often speak about the duty to respect and care for elderly people, linking it with Islamic teachings. Islam strongly emphasizes the importance of honoring parents and the elderly. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect to our elders.”
Such messages ensure that religion, culture, and daily life all come together to build a respectful society.

The Role of Technology in Elderly Care

In recent years, technology has also been used to help elders in the UAE stay connected and feel valued. Mobile apps and smart devices are being designed to help elderly people with health monitoring, emergency services, and communication with family members.

For example, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) introduced mobile health services that send doctors and nurses to the homes of elderly patients. These services include regular health check-ups, medicine delivery, and physiotherapy.

Many young Emiratis also teach their grandparents how to use smartphones, social media apps like WhatsApp, and video calling tools so they can stay in touch with family members who may live far away. This creates a strong bond between generations and reduces the sense of isolation.

Respecting Elders in a Diverse UAE Society

The UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities. While the Emirati culture greatly emphasizes respect for elders, this value is also shared by many of the foreign communities living in the country — whether they are from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, or Western nations.

In mixed workplaces and social settings, showing patience, listening carefully, and offering help to senior colleagues or neighbors is a common practice. This creates harmony and mutual respect between people of different cultures and backgrounds.

Challenges in Modern Times

While tradition remains strong, the modern busy lifestyle has created some challenges. Many young people today live far from their families because of work or study. This physical distance can make it harder to care for elderly parents or grandparents on a daily basis.

To deal with this, the government encourages the use of elder care centers, day care facilities, and home care services. Social campaigns remind people not to neglect their elders and to spend quality time with them whenever possible.

One popular campaign slogan is:
“Your parents cared for you when you were young. Now it’s your turn.”
Such messages touch the hearts of the public and remind everyone of their duty.

Conclusion: A Timeless Value in a Changing World

In a world that is changing fast, the UAE shows that some values — like respect for elders — must never fade. The country’s mix of tradition, religion, law, education, and technology makes sure that senior citizens are treated not as a burden but as treasures of the community.

As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, once said:
“A country that does not care for its elderly has no future.”

By holding on to this important value, the UAE sets an example for the rest of the world on how to build a caring, respectful, and balanced society.

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