The UAE's Ministry of Community Development has signed an agreement with Union Coop, the largest co-operative in the country, to support a number of elderly people through financing the maintenance of their homes.

The agreement was signed by Naji Al Hai, the assistant under-secretary for the Social Development Sector at the Ministry of Community Development, and Hareb Mohammed bin Thani, the director of operations sector in Union Coop, in the presence of a number of staff members from both sides.

Falling within the framework of both sides’ efforts to recognise the Year of Zayed, the MoU aims to stimulate community partnership, reported state news agency Wam.

"The MoU was signed by the Ministry of Community Development and Union Coop, in line with the vision of the Ministry and the 2021 Vision. It aims to achieve a decent life for the people of the UAE, ensure the provision of high-quality social services, galvanising the community partnership between the various sectors in the country and consolidating the role they play in social responsibility," remarked Al Hai.

"We look forward to more partnerships and initiatives during the Year of Zayed to support social work and community development. This vision is inspired by the belief and values that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan established in the community," he stated.

"Through collaboration with our partners, we aim to promote the concepts of sustainable support for Emirati families, with effective and supportive initiatives that move from the notion of social welfare to social development," he added.

Mohammed Hareb bin Thani, the director of operations sector, Union Coop, said the company co-operates with the Ministry of Community Development to drive the social development process by helping community members through the maintenance of the houses of the needy.

"This would promote social solidarity as well as cooperation between the two sectors to enhance our society," he stated.

Last year, the Ministry of Community Development and the Union Coop signed an agreement to support the "Hydroponic Agriculture Project" to develop the capacities and skills of people of determination.