This study focused on older adults (60+ years old) of both genders in Abu Dhabi during the COVID-19 pandemic before vaccines were made available (age ranged from 60 years to 75 years). They faced more strict rules of movement restriction and isolation that might have resulted in certain psychological feelings and social reactions. The main objective was to understand Abu Dhabi older adults’ psychological feelings during the pandemic and to identify their main concerns and challenges considering the various COVID-19-related policies and restrictions. The psychological feelings focused on fear, loneliness, sadness, irritability, emotional exhaustion, depressive symptoms, sleeping disorders, overeating, and excessive screen use. The objectives also included the changes in the psychological feelings concerning time. Other objectives covered better understanding the differences in (some activities) compared to the other age categories. Data were gathered through an online survey of community members from February to July 2020 as part of government initiatives (Department of Community Development). Responses were collected from 574 older adults in Abu Dhabi (60.1% male and 39.9% female). The analysis mainly used descriptive analysis, t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and simple trend analysis. For all tests, a p-value less than 0.05 was used for significance. The results pointed to the significant rise in feelings related to excessive screen use, fear, loneliness, and stress. The most significant concerns were related to more restrictions being imposed and not being able to see the grandchildren.The impact of new technologies on their quality of life was significantly reflected by respondents. The influence of the pandemic on older adults’ health and weight was also investigated. Analysis of variance, t-tests, and regression analysis with relevant tests were employed. The relevant results showed that some negative psychological feelings were common among older adults during the pandemic. However, the psychological feelings did not portray significant changes with time, except for sleeping disorders and overeating. Overall, older adults scored significantly different from other age groups on many challenges, concerns, and views regarding new technologies during the pandemic. No significant differences were observed regarding gender and marital status for the challenges and concerns. The research summarizes some policy guidance while noting some limitations of this study and future research directions.

This study attempts to understand various aspects of the quality of life (QoL) of the divorced and the separated in Abu Dhabi. A descriptive analysis approach was adopted to explore the differences in some selected QoL indicators, including health perceptions, depressive feelings, social connection, happiness, and life satisfaction between and among various demographical categories of the divorced and the separated. This research drew data from the second cycle of the Quality-of-Life survey in Abu Dhabi conducted in 2019-2020, in which a total of 3,192 divorced or separated individuals participated. The analysis followed mainly a descriptive approach, presenting the means of each well-being variable by various respondent categories. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also used to examine the degree of differences. The results show that the divorced/separated generally exhibit a significantly low level of QoL attributes. Moreover, the divorced/separated show significant differences in those selected QoL indicators when gender, age, nationality, income, residence, and education are factored in. Most of the lowest QoL scores were reported by females, lower-income groups, younger age groups, residents of the Al Ain region, low education groups, and non-Emiratis. Policy implications and future research directions are recommended.

The digital revolution influenced all levels and spheres of human social activities covering personal communications and relationships, health and mental health, and hours spent online. However, the widespread implementation and effects of digital technologies amongst all segments of society have not been understandable. The effects touch all aspects of life, be it personal, social, or economic, touching people's happiness positively or negatively. This research is the first attempt in Abu Dhabi to look at the impact of digital transformation and the associations of other aspects of people's life. The objective of this study is to propose a path model for better understanding the degree of association of related behaviors related to digital transformation and people's happiness. An extensive literature search identified several related wellbeing dimensions for this study. We used the Abu Dhabi Quality of Life data for this purpose. Pre-analysis included correlation analysis, simple and multiple regression, factor analysis, and reliability analysis to test the appropriate variables. The final path model portrays the functional relationship between significant factors, with happiness being the ultimate variable. The dimensions of influence covered satisfaction with family life, subjective health, mental and related feelings, number of hours online, the perception of the positive impact of digitalization on society, and the perceived negative influence of digitization. Using LISREL, we designed and analyzed a reflective path model that produced significant fit statistics. Results show that we should not ignore the significant positive association between the digital resources/means in society and our happiness or health. However, results also point to the perception of the negative impact of digital transformation on how we feel and behave daily. The hours we spend online also add to our negative daily feelings. The nature of our satisfaction with our family life seems to influence our negative mixed feelings about digital practices and habits. The strong association between our overall happiness and subjective health produced the most significant association. Limitations and policy implications are discussed.