Barwa program launches second-phase workshops to boost senior citizens’ real estate awareness
The Barwa program held its first interactive workshop of phase two yesterday at Al Barsha Community Centre, the Dubai Land Department said, as part of an outreach drive to raise awareness of real estate services among senior citizens. The session, organised with the Community Development Authority in Dubai, aims to make property services more accessible while preserving independence and quality of life for older residents.
Who attended and where the outreach will continue
The session forms part of a series of interactive meetings scheduled across June and July 2026, with upcoming gatherings at Dhakher Club venues in Al Wasl and Al Khuwaing. According to Dubai Land Department officials, the workshops combine direct explanations with practical demonstrations and the involvement of Barwa program ambassadors to simplify service navigation for seniors and people of determination.
Officials said the workshops are designed to reach beneficiaries where they live and to provide hands-on support without the need for travel, strengthening the programme’s field-first approach to accessible property services for seniors.
Barwa program: scope, results and beneficiary data
The Barwa program is described by the Dubai Land Department as the region’s first sustainable social and humanitarian real estate initiative targeting senior citizens and people of determination. Since its launch, the programme has achieved measurable uptake: officials report 18,599 beneficiaries across its services, including 11,293 men and 7,306 women.
These figures reflect growing use of senior citizens real estate services tailored to handling transactions, advice and property management. Transaction tallies recorded through the Barza and Karani initiatives approached 24,844, while 1,895 transactions were processed via the Kitob platform on the Dubai REST app. The Mersal digital support channel logged 3,484 calls and the programme conducted 712 customer surveys, achieving a 94 percent satisfaction rating, officials said.
How the initiative delivers services and support
The Barwa program operates on an integrated service model combining mobile, in-person and digital channels to meet diverse needs. Senior citizens real estate services include mobile property visits via the Tarsh unit, a personal-assistant Karani service to accompany users through transactions, and the Kitob platform for remote property management.
Furthermore, the Mersal digital support line provides instant assistance while Barza lounges welcome seniors and people of determination for face-to-face consultations. The programme also offers specialised real estate and financial advisory services and runs educational outreach through “real estate kitabs,” officials explained. Therefore, the initiative aims to reduce administrative friction and empower beneficiaries to manage their affairs confidently.
Private-sector partnerships and integrated records
In addition to government-run services, Barwa partners with private contractors through the Hasila programme to deliver property management, maintenance and consultancy services. The initiative also includes a “Registry of Elders” intended to improve coordination between the Dubai Land Department and the Community Development Authority, enabling more personalised case management and streamlined access to benefits.
Why the programme matters for Dubai’s social and economic agendas
Authorities say Barwa responds to findings from practical studies and participatory sessions that identified seniors’ primary concerns in sales, purchases and leasing processes. By simplifying procedures and offering flexible information channels, the programme supports the emirate’s social policy goals to raise quality of life and promote inclusion for priority groups.
Moreover, Barwa aligns with Dubai’s broader D33 agendas. The initiative supports the social agenda by focusing on family, quality of life and empowerment, while contributing to the economic agenda by strengthening digital trust and expanding adoption of smart services. As a result, officials present the programme as a model for human-centred public service design.
Programme feedback and operational highlights
Dubai Land Department spokespeople, including Khalifa Al-Salfa, a senior administrative consultant at the Director General’s Office, emphasised the programme’s field-first design and its mix of digital and in-person services. Mohannad Saeed, director of senior services at the Community Development Authority, noted the programme was built from evidence-based research and direct engagement with beneficiaries to ensure interventions meet real needs.
Program metrics cited by officials illustrate user engagement and satisfaction so far, and suggest the model reduces barriers to property management for older residents. Additionally, the practical demonstrations and ambassador-led explanations in community centres aim to demystify digital platforms for users less familiar with online transactions.
What to expect next and how residents can participate
The second phase of Barwa continues with a session scheduled on June 24 at Dhakher Club in Safa Park, Al Wasl, and will conclude on July 7 at Dhakher Club in the Quranic Park area, Al Khuwaing. Residents interested in attending are encouraged to contact the Dubai Land Department or the Community Development Authority for registration details and accessibility arrangements.
Meanwhile, the department maintains online resources and the Dubai REST app for remote transactions. For more information, users can visit the Dubai Land Department’s website at www.dubailand.gov.ae.
Conclusion: monitoring outcomes and next milestones
The Barwa program represents a coordinated effort to make real estate services accessible and user-friendly for senior citizens and people of determination. Officials indicate ongoing monitoring through satisfaction surveys and transaction data will guide refinements. Observers should watch for published impact assessments after the conclusion of phase two in July and for potential expansion of mobile and digital services later in 2026.
