Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi launched to improve animal safety

Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi (AWAD), a new non-profit organisation, has been launched in the UAE with a commitment to transform animal welfare within the emirate.

Driven by a mission to improve the wellbeing and safety of every animal in Abu Dhabi, AWAD will work to promote the importance of animal welfare to educate the community about animal care and ethical animal management, it will also encourage community members to adopt pets and support animal shelters, work to strengthen animal protection laws and advocate for the creation of new policies and implement various animal welfare projects with the support of local entities, starting with its flagship Community Cat Care Program.

Built on a vision of a future where every animal in Abu Dhabi is afforded the same levels of safety and respect as its residents, AWAD will also continuously share success stories about animal adoptions and communities that are championing animal welfare and work to inspire everyone in Abu Dhabi to come together and start actively caring for animals.

AWAD CEO Dr. Rachel Shaw, who brings over 24 years of veterinary experience, said: “AWAD believes that all animals should be treated with empathy and care, and not just protected but cherished and appreciated. After all, the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, held a profound respect for nature and all its creatures, and we share his belief that animal welfare is an essential part of society.

"With the support of our local partners, we aim to bring the community together through a shared commitment to animal welfare, and serve as a bridge between communities, animals, government and corporations. Recent studies show that Abu Dhabi is the safest city in the world, and we dream of transforming it into a safe haven for animals, too.”  

AWAD has already launched its flagship Community Cat Care Program. The program was developed in partnership with Provis, a leading full-service real estate solutions provider, and Royal Canin, the pet food brand and AWAD’s nutrition partner for 2025. Laying the foundation for long-term cooperation and impactful results, AWAD marked the launch of the program with the signing of two MoUs with both organisations.

The program is initially being implemented in four Provis-managed residential communities across Abu Dhabi: Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Mayan Yas Island, Al Raha Gardens and Al Rayyana.

As part of the initiative, designated feeding stations will provide food, water and shelter for stray cats in these areas. The program also includes a targeted trap-neuter-return campaign aimed at improving the overall wellbeing of the stray cat population within the emirate.