Aldar and ADEK Strengthen SME Resilience by Supporting Extracurricular Education Activities in Abu Dhabi

Initiative Overview

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Aldar Properties is collaborating with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to ensure the continuity of after-school extracurricular activities. This initiative aims to provide alternative spaces within Aldar’s diverse portfolio of retail, hospitality, and community venues. The program is designed to maintain student engagement and support community well-being while distance learning is implemented in Abu Dhabi schools.

Importance of Extracurricular Activities

The partnership between Aldar and ADEK emphasizes the significance of extracurricular activities in student development. These programs are essential for fostering engagement and balanced growth during periods of remote education. The activities offered include sports, creative programs, and youth development initiatives, ensuring that students and their families have access to structured, high-quality experiences even when traditional school facilities are unavailable.

Many extracurricular providers depend on school campuses to deliver their programs and have established long-standing relationships within their communities. With access to these facilities temporarily restricted, this initiative seeks to sustain these activities wherever feasible, preserving trusted relationships and maintaining program quality. This approach enables providers to continue their contributions to Abu Dhabi’s educational and community landscape.

Accessible Venues for Community Engagement

Aldar has made available a selection of venues, including community centers, shopping malls, and hospitality assets, which are designed to be accessible and community-focused. The high footfall and central locations of these venues allow participating SMEs to reach a broader audience of students and families, thereby enhancing program continuity and increasing participation. By activating these diverse spaces, Aldar is leveraging its portfolio to foster community engagement and create additional opportunities for interaction.

Commitment to Community Support

Salwa Al Maflahi, Executive Director of Sustainability and Community Outreach at Aldar, stated that the company is dedicated to supporting the continuity of learning and enrichment opportunities for students. She emphasized the importance of supporting SMEs that play a crucial role in delivering these programs. Al Maflahi noted that through collaboration with ADEK, Aldar is mobilizing its assets to respond to community needs, ensuring that communities remain connected and active during distance learning. This initiative aligns with Aldar’s broader commitment to creating long-term social value and fostering resilient, inclusive communities throughout Abu Dhabi.

Participating SMEs

The initiative includes a range of established extracurricular providers from across Abu Dhabi. Notable participants include Jump Sports, Storm Sports, Atomics, CF Tennis, AD Knights, Arabian Swim School, Pass Abu Dhabi, Capital Netball, Four Notes, MVMT, and Athletics Academy. Collectively, these organizations support a wide array of programs for students and families throughout the Emirate.

Aldar’s Broader Commitment

This initiative reflects Aldar’s ongoing dedication to community support while contributing to a resilient and adaptive education and SME ecosystem across Abu Dhabi. The company is recognized as a leading real estate developer, manager, and investor in the region, with a growing presence in the UAE, the Middle East North Africa, and Europe.

Aldar operates through two primary business segments: Aldar Development and Aldar Investment. Aldar Development serves as the master developer of a 60 million square meter strategic landbank, creating integrated communities across key locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah. The delivery of these developments is managed by Aldar Projects, which collaborates with the Abu Dhabi government on various housing and infrastructure projects.

Aldar Investment encompasses a core asset management business with a portfolio exceeding AED 49 billion in investment-grade and income-generating real estate assets. This portfolio is diversified across retail, residential, commercial, logistics, and hospitality sectors, managed through four core platforms: Aldar Investment Properties, Aldar Hospitality, Aldar Education, and Aldar Estates.

For further details about Aldar, please visit www.aldar.com.

Published on 2026-04-14 20:48:00 • By the Editorial Desk

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