Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD) and Aldar have announced a partnership to develop Yas Community Park, a new destination on Yas Island designed to foster community engagement through shared experiences and daily interactions. The park aims to offer an open and inclusive environment conducive to community life and meaningful social interaction.
According to Emirates News Agency, the centerpiece of the park will be Nabdh Yas, a community hub created in partnership with DCD. This hub is envisioned as a central gathering space that will host a variety of community-led initiatives, allowing families, youth, and seniors to connect, learn, and engage in an inclusive setting. Nabdh Yas introduces a new model of public-private partnership, marking the first instance of private sector investment in community infrastructure of this nature in Abu Dhabi. With DCD spearheading the development and long-term management, the initiative underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to innovative delivery models that enhance social value and community wellbeing.
The Nabdh Yas hub will be developed under an agreement between Aldar and DCD, which outlines a framework for expanding the Nabdh Community Hub model across Aldar's developments in various regions of the emirate, including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. The agreement was signed by key figures such as Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Chairman of DCD, and Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar Properties, and was formalized by Eng. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of DCD, and Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar Properties.
Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO of Aldar, emphasized that Yas Community Park embodies their vision for inclusive, accessible communities. He stated that it reflects Aldar's belief in community beginning with belonging in welcoming and inclusive places shaped by their users. The collaboration with DCD on Nabdh Yas further highlights a shared commitment to creating spaces that unite people and enrich everyday life in Abu Dhabi.
Eng. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of DCD, remarked that the partnership is a significant step in strengthening community centers within residential neighborhoods, transforming them into vibrant spaces that foster interaction and connection. He noted that the 'Nabdh' community centers aim to cultivate an integrated community environment offering opportunities for participation and volunteering, empowering society to actively contribute to community programs and activities.
He further stated that the partnership with Aldar exemplifies a model of integration between the public and private sectors, extending beyond facility development to encompass a fully integrated community experience. This collaboration reflects DCD's commitment to partnerships driven by sustainable impact rather than mere implementation.
Under the agreement, DCD will identify community needs, establish the regulatory framework, and oversee the programs offered within the hubs. Aldar will apply its urban development expertise to ensure the hubs meet high planning and engineering standards, integrating urban development with community needs. The partnership covers all stages from planning to operation, ensuring sustainable, inclusive, and accessible community hubs for all age groups.
The launch of Yas Community Park marks a key milestone in the Yas Inclusive City initiative, a joint effort by Aldar and DCD to make Yas Island a global model for accessibility and inclusive urban living. The park aligns with the Year of Family's core principles of connection and belonging, promoting togetherness and supporting the wellbeing of families across generations through spaces designed for shared experiences.
Strategically located between Yas Island's attractions and residential communities, Yas Community Park will create a shared environment supporting community life. It will include a mosque, an inclusive playground accessible to all children, shaded family-friendly areas, and retail offerings to meet everyday needs and foster local business growth.
Nabdh Yas will serve as the social and cultural heart of the park, delivering programs and experiences that mirror Abu Dhabi's diverse communities while reinforcing values of connection, belonging, and participation. The hub is part of a broader network of Nabdh Community Hubs that have delivered numerous community programs across the emirate, attracting thousands of participants from various age groups.
