Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Heartwarming moments were shared as the 5th Abu Dhabi Family Forum brought communities and generations together in a space that celebrates love, values, and the deep-rooted culture that binds families across the UAE. The event brims with stories, words of encouragement, and messages rooted in cultural traditions.
Under the patronage 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), the Abu Dhabi Family Forum 2025 is being held at Al Bahia Plaza in Abu Dhabi. The event runs until December 23.
The forum positions the family as a core pillar of social cohesion and national development and brings that vision to life through a variety of engaging activities and initiatives.
Honouring Senior Citizens
At the event’s Barakatna Zone, one senior citizen is chosen each day to share a positive message with visitors - and people often turn emotional, said Fatima Al Marzouqi, a mental health care specialist who heads the area.
Visitors frequently respond with remarks such as, “this phrase touched me” or “it came at the right time”, Al Marzouqi said.
“The Barakatna Zone is specifically designed to honour and engage senior citizens in a meaningful way through volunteering and active participation,” she added.
The area also offers a welcoming space for conversation, free health check-ups, and a home-safety model that shows families how to make living spaces more senior-friendly.
The zone brings culture into the experience through live cooking sessions featuring healthy Emirati food and a small library corner where “whoever likes a book takes it as a gift”.
Enhancing Family Life
The Family Quality of Life Station brings together government entities and the private sector in one integrated space to address health, childhood, and family development concerns.
“Our station includes wide spaces dedicated to physical health and sports, alongside a family theatre offering awareness and entertainment activities suitable for all segments of society,” said Muna Binothman, School Development Specialist at FDF.
The station’s programme runs daily with “more than 14 awareness and educational workshops” covering parenting, health, education, and social support, supported by interactive children’s zones, a live cooking kitchen, and a culture and arts corner.
“We also host distinguished participation from people of determination, as well as poetry evenings,” Binothman added.
Celebrating Emirati Heritage Another key area of the forum celebrates the nation’s vibrant culture while instilling Emirati values in the youth.
Aysha Al Kaabi, Head of the Emirati Heritage Zone, said their area features exhibitions showcasing treasured traditions - from maritime heritage displays of fishing and diving tools to a section that tells the full history of women’s social development in Abu Dhabi.
The space also spotlights artisans demonstrating traditional crafts and a small old shop selling heritage items. Besides honouring UAE culture, the zone aims to encourage entrepreneurs to enter the market through heritage-based projects, Al Kaabi said.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship
An entire area is dedicated to entrepreneurship. Abdullah Al Dhaheri, Vice President of the Entrepreneurship Station, said it provides an interactive space that brings ideas together and supports initiatives.
It is also designed to encourage innovation and develop entrepreneurial skills among community members and children, he added.
Among participants was Moza Al Kaabi, the youngest Emirati painter at the event. For her, the forum focuses on the family, and how the family cooperates with each other. With the activities at the site, youngsters also have the chance to learn and discover new skills like drawing and art while spending quality time with their families.
A Must-See Community Event
Visitors praised the forum for bringing families together.
“There are lectures, awareness sessions, activities, and joy - everyone is happy,” said Aysha Al Hammadi. Reflecting on her experience, she added: “Young parents should take their children to their grandfather and grandmother… they have experience… they are the teachers.”
Another visitor, Saleh Salem, described the forum as a space that enriches community spirit. “This brings us to life and brings the family to life,” he said. “I hope everyone comes here.”
