ABU DHABI, 25th January, 2023 (WAM) — The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi played a significant role in the development of the Domestic Worker’s Guide. This guide was launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) and it was designed to provide information on the rights, benefits, and obligations of domestic workers.

The DCD specifically contributed by developing a chapter on mental health for the guide, providing detailed information on mental health and the various factors that impact and enhance the quality of life for domestic workers.

Furthermore, the guide also emphasises the importance of implementing practices that promote mental well-being for all community members, including domestic workers. This is done to ensure a positive impact on both physical and mental health.

Dr. Layla Alhyas, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector at DCD, announced that “The DCD will continue to collaborate with its strategic partners to enhance the social sector ecosystem and implement programmes and services that are tailored to meet the needs of community members and provide them with the necessary support to effectively manage mental stress.”

“Our ongoing initiatives and efforts to support mental health align with the DCD’s responsibility to deliver high-quality services to all community segments, in order to ensure the social welfare of the Abu Dhabi community,” she added.

Alhyas emphasised that the DCD is dedicated to promoting effective community engagement in development, and ensuring sustainable growth for the community by adopting long-term strategic plans and promoting positive change to overcome all challenges.

Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Domestic Workers’ Sector at the MoHRE, praised the efforts and dedication of the DCD in the development of the Guide for domestic workers.

He highlighted the importance of collaboration between entities in the social sector to improve the business environment and the quality of life for domestic workers, who are a vital part of the community. He also emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with government and private organisations to align with government policies and meet the needs of citizens and business owners in the UAE.

The Domestic Workers’ Guide addresses a range of topics related to domestic work, such as workload, cultural and location adjustments, and maintaining social connections. It also covers important subjects such as financial management, work hours, and the importance of sufficient rest for physical and mental well-being. The Guide provides guidance on addressing issues and suggests strategies for managing stress through self-care, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercise, taking breaks, deep breathing, incorporating spirituality and spending time with family. All of this is meant to improve the overall quality of life.

The domestic workers’ law prioritizes the safety and security of domestic workers in the UAE by protecting their rights. The guide created by the MoHRE clarifies the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of domestic workers, and increases their understanding of UAE community customs, which improves their quality of life.