Abu Dhabi, UAE – June 19, 2025 – A new era for child safety in sports has arrived in Abu Dhabi. The Department of Community Development (DCD) has officially launched its Child Protection Policy in Sports Entities, a landmark initiative aimed at creating truly safe and inclusive environments for children across all sporting activities. Zen PD is proud to announce its tailored training programs, designed to equip sports entities, their staff, and volunteers with the essential knowledge and skills to fully comply with and champion this vital new policy.
Understanding the DCD’s Pivotal Policy
The DCD’s Child Protection Policy in Sports Entities, developed in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), and the Family Care Authority (FCA), is a direct response to Federal Law No (3) of 2016, known as the Wadeema Law. This comprehensive policy applies to all sports entities in Abu Dhabi and extends to all workers and volunteers involved in sports activities outside educational institutions.
As His Excellency Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of the Community Engagement and Sports Sector at DCD, highlighted, “The policy focuses on enhancing awareness and community participation in protecting children by empowering sports entities, parents and workers in the sports sector to effectively assume their responsibilities.”
Key Pillars of the New Policy – And How Zen PD Can Help You Implement Them
The policy is built upon four fundamental principles: promoting the right to participate, zero tolerance for child abuse, responsibility, accountability, protection, and non-retaliation. To ensure these principles are ingrained in practice, the DCD has emphasized the need for mandatory training programs for all involved. This is where Zen PD steps in.
Our specialized training covers all critical aspects outlined in the new policy, including:
- Mandatory Reporting Procedures: Understanding the strict procedures for reporting and following up on violations, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Role of Child Protection Coordinators: Equipping designated coordinators with the knowledge and tools to effectively manage child protection within their entities.
- Prohibition of All Forms of Abuse: A deep dive into preventing physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, and discrimination based on any factor (race, age, gender, nationality, religion, or developmental delays).
- Legal Frameworks and Prevention: Understanding the legal implications and how to prevent individuals who pose a threat from engaging with children in sports environments.
- Fostering a Positive Environment: Beyond compliance, our training focuses on promoting positive behavior, building healthy social relationships, and upholding standards of sportsmanship.
Why Zen PD is Your Partner in Child Protection Training
At Zen PD, we understand the nuances of implementing critical policies in diverse environments. Our training programs are:
- Tailored and Comprehensive: Developed to directly address the specific requirements and spirit of the DCD’s Child Protection Policy, ensuring your team is fully prepared.
- Expert-Led: Delivered by experienced professionals who combine deep knowledge of child safeguarding with practical, engaging training methodologies.
- Practical and Actionable: We go beyond theory, providing real-world scenarios and actionable strategies that participants can immediately apply in their roles.
- Focused on Empowerment: Our goal is to empower sports entities, coaches, volunteers, and parents to confidently and effectively fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding children.
The DCD’s policy represents a significant step forward for child welfare in Abu Dhabi. By partnering with Zen PD for your mandatory training, you are not only ensuring compliance but actively contributing to a safer, more nurturing future for every child in sports.
Act Now: Ensure Your Entity is Compliant and Committed to Child Safety
The DCD encourages all relevant entities and individuals to learn more about the Child Protection Policy in Sports Entities. Zen PD is ready to support you in meeting these vital requirements.
Contact Zen PD today to discuss your organization’s specific training needs and to schedule your mandatory Child Protection in Sport training program. Enquire on info@zenpd.ae