- Let’s Connect, a virtual programme, is offering a number of fun and educational online sessions which bring people together with the chance to win prizes.
- Abu Dhabi-based Ambassadors are leading the programme which focuses on Health and Wellness, Community, Business and Coaching and Arts and Culture.
- Sessions will include tips on nutrition, the benefits of exercise for mental health, coping with stress and anxiety and celebrating diversity throughout Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi, 18 April: Residents throughout Abu Dhabi are being given the opportunity to come together online through shared hobbies and interests, thanks to Let’s Connect, an initiative by the Authority of Social Contribution- Ma’an, which will host 20 free initiatives over ten weeks of action.
Encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle, communities will be given tips on improving their body and mind through online activations by Faris Al-Zaabi, an Emirati Triathlete, who will be leading five sessions, with residents able to log onto the @LetsConnect.ae channels to learn how to integrate healthy habits into their daily lives. These sessions will include topics around nutrition and healthy eating as well as inspiring transformation stories.
Encompassing a wide range of activities to all tastes, Let’s Connect also draws on ways in which the community spirit can be maintained despite social distancing. Tanya Awad who is a leading Community Development Specialist in Abu Dhabi has launched #MyThankYou which encourages people to celebrate each other and give thanks to individuals who have provided positive difference.
Further community focused initiatives will tackle different topics from diversity in the UAE to the environment and tips on energy saving.
Further information on the initiatives throughout the programme will be announced in stages, with additional sessions focusing on Business and Coaching, including expert insights into how people can manage stress and anxiety during challenging times as well as advice for young people trying to choose a career path.
The fourth area of initiatives will bring activations to life in the world of Arts and Culture, allowing residents to share their experiences of life in Abu Dhabi and what brings inspiration to their daily lives.
Speaking of the health and wellness initiatives, Ambassador Faris Al-Zaabi, commented: “Mental wellness goes hand-in-hand with physical health and over the coming weeks we have some really exciting activities around both. I encourage everybody regardless of age, gender or ability to get involved and connect with people that have similar interests.”
Speaking of the Community-led activations, Ambassador Tanya Awad, added: “The latest community initiative focuses on Ramadan and sharing peoples’ positive experiences during the Holy month and how people can stay connected despite social distancing. This initiative also encourages people to share their favourite recipes for Iftars and I hope everybody will connect and put their photos online to inspire others.”
Upcoming Business and Coaching, along with Arts and Culture activations will be announced soon with residents encouraged to get involved with the free online activations by visiting www.letsconnect.ae and @letsconnect.ae on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Anybody participating in the programme is encouraged to tag the official handle to be in with a chance of winning a number of prizes courtesy of Nirvana Travel and Tourism. Prizes include five-star hotel stays in the UAE, tickets to leading theme parks and gift vouchers.
About Ma’an
Ma’an was established in February 2019 by the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi with the aim of bringing together the government, the private sector and civil society to support a culture of social contribution and participation. The authority will deliver solutions for social challenges with five main pillars of work – a Social Investment Fund, a Social Incubator Program, Community Engagement Programs and the introduction of a new type of public contracting, Social Impact Bonds, as well as Outreach Management.
Ma’an will support the third sector to flourish in Abu Dhabi, enabling responsible not for profit associations or foundations and social enterprises to contribute to the development of strong, active and connected communities.