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The Abu Dhabi Pension Fund (ADPF) and the General Pension and Social Security Authority shared the UAE’s pioneering experience in innovation and creativity to enhance pension and social security services through the use of modern technology, during their participation in the International Social Security Association (ISSA) seminar, held 29th to 30th January 2024 in Kuwait.

The seminar touched upon the innovative methods used to elevate the overall performance of social security institutions across the Arab world, and the UAE’s pioneering role in introducing innovative initiatives in pension and social security as part its strategic pillar to develop interactive and proactive solutions for its customers, in order to improve their overall experience and meet their day-to-day needs when accessing services.



During the seminar, the ADPF displayed a comprehensive presentation on its rich journey in building a constructive and innovative work environment that exceeds customer expectations. ADPF have integrated their current system and ideas with new and advanced creative methods, resulting in developed their operational system and raising the overall quality and efficiency of services. 


The ADPF reviewed details and results of launching the ‘Smart Contributions’ system for the payment of active members monthly contributions by entities, which is one of the basic outcomes of the “Ajyal” institutional transformation program. The system has resulted in a qualitative shift in the way pension contributions are paid, resulting in saving effort and time, while bringing about new and innovative methods for employers/entities. The system has contributed in providing an integrated data platform that promotes a high level of accuracy and support for decision-makers. 


During the presentation, the ADPF indicated that the application of innovative solutions and modern technology enhances the stability and sustainability of the pension system, especially risk-taking, yet rational decisions that generate ideas outside the ordinary framework, in a way that ensures positive change, improvement and development.


Alongside, the UAE’s GPSSA presented its experience in the field of innovation, emphasizing the fact that innovative practices are part of the cooperation’s strategic goals in encouraging flexibility, proactiveness and readiness, giving examples of some of the effective innovative projects introduced to customers, such as ‘Basmat Wafa’ – a digital application that can be easily accessed by pensioners using their digital Emirates ID’s through Apple and Android systems, where pensioners can enjoy an array of discounts and privileges that are offered by various UAE-based services and companies.


The ‘Basmat Wafa’ application contains a digital pensioner certificate that can be presented to other UAE-based entities, thereby granting a pensioner the services and discounts mentioned, without the need to revert back to the GPSSA.


As part of its innovative approach, the GPSSA also highlighted the fact that continuous brainstorming sessions, hackathons and innovative laboratories are arranged for employees, whereby innovative solutions and challenges facing the Authority and its stakeholders are highlighted and discussed; an initiative which has resulted in coming up with 300 new ideas and 110 innovative solutions over the past few years. Nearly 2,000 individuals have taken part in 50 events organized by GPSSA’s innovation team, a success story that has improved operations and the overall process of pension and social security services. 


The GPSSA stressed on its willingness to support all types of effective partnerships that benefit its various categories of stakeholders (insured individuals, pensioners, beneficiaries, employers and the social security and pension sector), as well as to collaborate with cooperation’s and professionals who work in different types of investment portfolios funds, keeping in mind a lucrative value for contributors in light of economic and technical reformations.