Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of SAKINA for Children, a specialised mental health network designed to provide comprehensive psychiatric, developmental, and therapeutic care for children and adolescents up to the age of 18. The initiative marks a major step in strengthening child mental healthcare services across the emirate, with a strong focus on early intervention, timely diagnosis, and long-term support for young people facing emotional, behavioural, or developmental challenges.
The new network brings together a wide range of services under one integrated care model, including outpatient consultations, early intervention programmes, inpatient mental health treatment, and dedicated family support services. By creating a more connected and streamlined system, SAKINA aims to make mental healthcare more accessible and effective for families, while reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment. Officials say the programme is expected to support hundreds of children each month through personalised assessments and treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
A key feature of the initiative is its multilingual service approach, ensuring that families from diverse backgrounds across Abu Dhabi can access care more easily. In addition to clinical services, the programme will work closely with schools, educators, and community organisations to improve awareness, encourage early detection of mental health concerns, and build stronger support systems for children. Health experts believe the launch of SAKINA for Children reflects the UAE’s growing commitment to prioritising mental wellbeing and creating a healthier future for the next generation.
