In a pioneering approach to social connectivity, Dubai’s innovative multi-generational club The Nadi is transforming how older adults experience community life in the United Arab Emirates. Founded by long-term Palestinian resident Shaden Abdellatif, the establishment has been gaining significant momentum over the past eighteen months by offering flexible, pay-as-you-go experiences that deliberately bridge generational divides.
Unlike traditional age-segregated senior programs, The Nadi operates on a philosophy that meaningful relationships transcend age brackets. The club’s curated calendar features diverse activities including pickleball matches, gardening workshops, cultural discussions, and creative sessions designed to foster intergenerational connections. This approach intentionally positions older adults at the center of social engagement rather than as peripheral participants.
Abdellatif’s vision emerged from personal observation of Dubai’s evolution from a transient hub to a permanent home for many families. Noting the social limitations experienced by older residents like her mother who has lived in Dubai for nearly forty years, she recognized the need for spaces where seniors could engage in activities specifically designed for their enjoyment rather than merely accompanying younger family members.
The club’s foundation rests on four core principles: curiosity, continuous learning, holistic wellbeing, and agelessness. These principles manifest in programming that addresses physical, social, and mental wellness through adaptable activities suitable for varying energy levels and abilities. Monthly schedules introduce fresh experiences while maintaining weekly anchor activities that provide rhythm and routine.
Perhaps most significantly, The Nadi challenges conventional perceptions of aging by framing later life as a period worthy of investment, creativity, and joy. The intergenerational model naturally dissolves stereotypes as participants work side-by-side in activities like gardening workshops, where shared stories and laughter create organic connections across age groups.
Early indicators suggest profound impact, with participants reporting increased social confidence, expanded networks, and renewed sense of purpose. Some international visitors now plan extended Dubai stays knowing they can maintain active social lives while visiting working family members. The model has proven so successful that expansion plans include neighborhood residency programs and retreat-style experiences focused on intergenerational learning and connection.