For years, foster mothers in the UAE have operated in the shadows, quietly overcoming significant administrative and social hurdles to care for children without parental ties. From navigating complex medical procedures that require official ID cards to addressing legal custody questions, these caregivers have often felt isolated in their struggles. However, the recent establishment of the UAE’s first officially licensed Foster Families Society marks a turning point. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi and operating under the Ministry of Community Empowerment, this non-profit organization aims to institutionalize support, replacing private battles with a unified platform dedicated to safeguarding the rights of children and fostering a more inclusive environment for families across the nation.

Founding member Hoda Al Mashjari emphasizes that the society’s initiatives are born from lived experience rather than academic theory. The organization is already tackling major systemic issues, including the push to rebrand the often-stigmatized term “majhool al nasab” (of unknown parentage) to the more compassionate “heartological child.” Beyond language, the society is actively lobbying government and healthcare sectors to streamline access to medical services, ensuring that insurance coverage is recognized even when formal identity documentation is still pending. With a clear strategic roadmap that includes legal advocacy and public awareness, the society provides a long-awaited lifeline for foster families, offering them the professional support and community recognition they have sought for decades.