Today's Edition
ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
Family has long been the foundation of Emirati society. In 2026, that role takes on renewed national significance following the directive by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to designate the year as the Year of the Family. The initiative elevates family unity as a central focus of the UAE's social and developmental agenda.
The decision reflects a broader understanding that resilient families are essential to building cohesive, forward-looking communities. As the UAE advances across economic, technological and social sectors, the Year of the Family reinforces the principle that sustainable development must remain rooted in strong social structures and shared values.
Preserving Bonds That Define Emirati Identity
The Year of Family highlights the enduring importance the UAE leadership places on preserving strong family bonds and nurturing relationships that bring generations together. These connections are viewed not only as a source of emotional support, but also as key pillars in sustaining the cultural identity and collective strength of the nation.
Through a family-oriented way of life, Emirati traditions rooted in the majlis, shared meals and close family ties ensure that values such as cooperation, communication and social responsibility are passed from one generation to the next, sustaining the cultural identity that defines the nation.
These strong bonds also provide the youth with stability, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Through open discussions and support from parents, families help youth navigate education, career choices and social pressures, enhancing confidence, responsibility, and connection to cultural identity.
The timing of the initiative is also significant. Internationally, families are navigating rapid change, from digital transformation to shifting work dynamics and social pressures. By placing family at the heart of its national priorities, the UAE affirms a belief that long-term development begins at home, with stable family units providing the foundation needed to progress.
The decision also aligns with ongoing efforts to support family wellbeing in practical ways. Across both government and community sectors, policies and initiatives continue to evolve to promote work-life balance, parental support, and social stability. Flexible work arrangements, early childhood initiatives, and family-oriented community spaces all contribute to creating an environment in which families can thrive.
A Shared Responsibility Across Society
By embedding family at the core of national priorities, the UAE positions family not as a theme for reflection, but as a collective responsibility shared by government, community, and individuals alike.
As part of the UAE's commitment to advancing the Year of the Family agenda, the a national task force has been formed, bringing together more than 20 federal and local government entities involved in supporting family development and wellbeing.
The agenda will be implemented through three main pathways: policies and programmes, behavioural interventions, and reproductive health. Each stream is designed to provide targeted, evidence-based support for families across the country.
The first pathway involves a comprehensive review of existing policies and programmes that directly or indirectly affect family growth. This includes evaluating how current frameworks can be enhanced to better support family cohesion, child-rearing, and long-term stability.
The second pathway focuses on behavioural and social drivers. On-the-ground interviews with Emirati families across all seven emirates will help uncover the real-world factors shaping family decisions, enabling the development of more responsive and culturally grounded interventions.
The third pathway examines reproductive health services and awareness, aiming to identify gaps and challenges in the current system while exploring strategies to strengthen access, education, and support. This includes addressing social and medical barriers to reproductive well-being as part of a broader effort to support family sustainability.
Together, these three pathways form a unified, cross-sector approach to ensure that families are supported not only in principle, but through clear policies, practical services, and meaningful community engagement.
As the country embraces 2026, the Year of Family stands as a reaffirmation of the UAE's long-held values, recognising that while societies evolve, the family remains a constant source of strength, continuity, and shared purpose.
