Today's Edition
SADEQ ALKHOORI (ABU DHABI)
In the UAE, wellbeing is increasingly understood not as an individual outcome, but as something shaped within the family, where values, identity and social responsibility are first formed. This perspective has gained renewed attention as national strategies continue to place the household at the centre of social development.
According to Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development's (DCD) sixth cycle of the Quality-of-Life Survey, published recently, satisfaction with family life stood at 78.4%, marking a notable increase compared with the previous year's 70.9%. The survey is based on responses from 115,801 residents, according to the DCD.
Across the UAE, a growing policy framework treats the family not only as a private institution, but also as a pillar of long-term national development.
The National Family Growth Agenda 2031 frames family development as a long-term investment, highlighting that empowering families contributes directly to national sustainability and prosperity.
This direction is reinforced through institutional developments, including the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Family, reflecting a broader shift towards integrated and long-term social planning.
At the local level, Abu Dhabi's social development framework continues to emphasise family stability as a driver of cohesion.
The 'We' over the 'Me'
This policy direction aligns with broader research on how families function within rapidly changing societies.
"In the UAE, wellbeing isn't just an individual metric; it is deeply relational," said Dr Luca Maria Pesando, a professor at New York University Abu Dhabi, whose research focuses on families, inequality and social development. "The Emirati family serves as the primary 'shock absorber' for social and economic change."
"Policy is the essential partner here," Pesando said. "For families to thrive, they need structural support."
He added that when social policies align with cultural values, they strengthen long-term stability by reducing pressure on households and reinforcing intergenerational ties. "When social policies align with cultural values, societal happiness increases," he said.
Beyond immediate outcomes, Pesando described family-focused initiatives as long-term investments in "human infrastructure".
"The home environment is the strongest predictor of long-term educational and social outcomes," he said. "When governments invest in families early, it creates a ripple effect across society."
He added that such policies help shift the emphasis from individual outcomes to shared responsibility, reinforcing what he described as "the 'we' over the 'me'". This understanding of family as the foundation of social life is also reflected in national discourse.
'Generation Shaper'
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, recently announced that the title "Generation Shaper" would be adopted in place of "housewife", recognising the role of mothers in forming values, identity and future generations.
He described mothers as "the first school for their children", reinforcing how the foundations of belonging and responsibility are formed within the household. For many families, that role is reflected in daily life.
"For me, a mother is the foundation of society, because she is the one who raises her children and instills values in them from an early age," said Mouza Mohamad, a mother based in Abu Dhabi. "When we say 'Generation Shaper', it means she shapes their character, teaches them right from wrong, and prepares them to have a role in society."
She added that these values are often shaped through everyday interactions. "I try to instill them through simple daily moments, like honesty, respect and helping others. I lead by example first, and explain why certain behaviours are right or wrong. We also talk about situations they face at school or in daily life," she said.
Giving children responsibility, she said, is also key.
"I give them simple tasks that match their age, so they learn accountability. I also teach them to be mindful of others and remind them that every action they take has an impact."
Aryam Mohamad, a mother based in Abu Dhabi, said the process begins early. "A mother plays a central role in raising children and instilling values in them, and through that, she contributes to shaping an entire generation for the future," she said.
"I believe this starts with leading by example before words, through simple daily moments that teach respect, gratitude and sharing."
