ADPF marks silver jubilee: 25 years of care and support for Abu Dhabi’s retirees

SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

For a quarter of a century, the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund (ADPF) has supported tens of thousands of retirees, reflecting the nation’s commitment to placing its people at the heart of development.

Marking the fund’s 25th anniversary, Khalaf Abdullah Rahma Al Hammadi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund, reflected on the institution’s longstanding mission. The UAE, he said, has consistently centred its vision on people, ensuring that progress goes hand in hand with social security and stability.

The ADPF was created to provide a sustainable retirement system that safeguards rights and strengthens long-term social protection. Over time, it has evolved from a traditional regulatory framework into an integrated social protection model capable of adapting to economic changes, evolving employment patterns, and demographic shifts, such as longer life expectancy.

The fund - which began with a small team, a limited insurance base, and a financing ratio of no more than 35% - now covers more than 140,000 insured individuals. Its assets have grown by over 400%, with nearly Dh64 billion disbursed in retirement benefits, supported by an early digital transformation that enhanced service efficiency and accessibility.

Meaningful Impact

For retirees, the fund’s impact extends beyond numbers. Naima Khamis Al Maliki recalled how, before her retirement, she received clear and transparent guidance from the ADPF, which helped her transition smoothly from her career at the National Library and Archives to retirement. 

“There has been no delay in my pension payments from the first month until now, and all my entitlements were processed quickly,” she said.

Dr Abdulqader Al Zarooni, another retiree, described the fund as “a model of institutional excellence.”

“On its silver jubilee, we celebrate not just the years, but a professional system that has proven efficiency is a daily practice, not a slogan,” he told Aletihad. “The Abu Dhabi Pension Fund has established an advanced model in governance, performance accuracy, and service quality. Twenty-five years of dedicated work and responsible decisions have turned trust into achievement and vision into sustainable reality.”

Hamad Al Blooshi noted that the fund’s services have advanced significantly in recent years, particularly for seniors and medically retired beneficiaries.

“Transactions have become faster, procedures easier. Almost everything is now electronic and reaches the retiree smoothly, which has really made our lives easier and more comfortable,” he said.

Shuhail Al Saedi also lauded the convenience of digital services. Within minutes, a retiree can obtain an official certificate whenever necessary, he said. 

Ali Saeed Obaid Al Manie agreed that the ADPF has made “everything easier for retirees”. “It is an honour for us to receive such care from our wise leadership.”

Awad Al Saadi noted that the fund’s consistent service quality and timely procedures contribute directly to retirees’ stability and their families’ well-being.

“Its clear systems and flexible procedures have made it easier for retirees to obtain their rights with confidence and peace of mind,” he said.