Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Family is where people’s roots and stability lie, and strengthening it means connecting generations — seniors, parents, and children. The Abu Dhabi Family Forum seeks to become that link by helping create an environment built on communication and respect within UAE homes.
Awsha Salem Al Suwaidi, Project Director of the H.H Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Excellence and Community Intelligence Programme, and member and rapporteur, highlighted this message in an interview with Aletihad ahead of the forum, which will take place from December 12 to 23 at Al Bahya Square, Abu Dhabi.
The annual forum is anchored on the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) — placing the family at the centre of development and as a pillar of societal wellbeing, Al Suwaidi said.
With the theme “The Family: Home and Stability”, this year’s forum underscores that family is where values, identity, and belonging take root, and where the emotional bonds that safeguard social cohesion and community stability are formed, she added.
“It aims to offer an engaging, educational, and participatory setting that enhances intergenerational communication and increases community awareness.”
All families and community members — whether they are grandparents, mothers, fathers, teens and children — are invited to attend the forum and engage in interactive programmes.
Youth will be one of the key focus areas, with initiatives lined up to encourage leadership, creativity, and social responsibility, Al Suwaidi told Aletihad.
Educational and recreational activities that support children’s development have been planned, along with awareness workshops that promote positive parenting.
“The forum will also pay special attention to senior citizens, with [initiatives that] recognise their contributions and strengthen their role as guardians of values and sources of wisdom and experience,” she added.
This year’s edition of the forum is set to be “more comprehensive and integrated in its content and programming”. Activities and services will be powered by advanced technology and artificial intelligence, Al Suwaidi said.
“It combines tradition with modernity and reflects Abu Dhabi’s direction in reinforcing the family’s position as a central pillar of social development.”
Additionally, new strategic partnerships have been formed to enhance the forum’s social impact and make it a sustainable platform for dialogue, interaction, and collaboration among community institutions, she said.
New initiatives and programmes are expected to be launched based on the recommendations and outcomes of the Family Forum’s sessions and discussions.
“These initiatives will focus on empowering the Emirati family and strengthening its developmental role through projects that support intergenerational communication, empower women and youth, expand smart family services, and develop digital training and advisory programmes that promote family awareness and provide practical tools for addressing modern social challenges,” Al Suwaidi said.
