Retired Abu Dhabi residents are being urged to open up about the challenges of life after work in a new survey. The Department of Community Development is calling for candid views on a range of issues, from planning for retirement, how much pension people receive each month and whether suitable financial and social support is in place for those leaving employment. Respondents are asked what services should be rolled out for retired people as a priority, including counselling programmes to support mental health, volunteering initiatives and training and skills programmes to allow them to play an active role in society and share their knowledge and expertise. The authority is hoping to receive at least 8,000 responses – from male and female pensioners – to ensure people receive the help and assistance they need to make a smooth transition from employment. Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, chairman of the department, said the UAE is committed to supporting members of the public during all stages of life. “The government is invested in meeting the needs of residents during the different stages of their lives to improve living standards and for a comfortable life for all,” he said. According to the UAE government, Emiratis working in the government and private sectors are eligible for pensions and other retirement benefits after reaching the retirement age of 49 or serving a minimum of 20 years in total. Expatriate employees have their end-of-service entitlement covered by the <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/business/calculating-what-is-in-your-end-of-service-gratuity-1.89088">UAE's gratuity scheme</a>. The online survey – available in Arabic and English – takes users through a series of multiple-choice questions that can be completed in about 10 minutes. It is the latest effort by the department to gauge opinion across the emirate on a variety of topics. In September, Abu Dhabi residents were asked to share their views on everything from domestic violence, financial debt, polygamy and eating habits in a major family life study. Last year, more than 51,000 people – 60 per cent of whom were non-Emirati –were interviewed in the <em>First Social Survey of Abu Dhabi Emirate.</em> Seven out of 10 people living in the emirate described themselves as being happy and more than 90 per cent of residents feel safe going out at night. The survey polled respondents on 14 topics including housing, income, jobs, health, education, safety and security, environment, well-being and community participation. Residents can take part in the latest questionnaire by visiting <a href="https://bit.ly/32zbn6v">https://bit.ly/32zbn6v</a>