Marking the International Day of Families, the government has underscored the importance of nurturing, empowering, and sustaining strong family units as the bedrock of progress.
The UAE has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to placing families at the centre of national development, with top leaders highlighting the family’s foundational role in shaping society and advancing sustainability. Marking the International Day of Families, government figures including the Minister of Family and senior members of the ruling family underscored the importance of nurturing, empowering, and sustaining strong family units as the bedrock of progress.
Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, said the family has always been at the heart of the UAE’s nation-building journey and will continue to be its cornerstone for sustainable development.
“In the UAE, the family is not merely a social unit—it is the nucleus upon which generations rely for support, care, and emotional and intellectual stability.”
Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family
“Since the founding of the UAE, the family has served as a source of care, support, and emotional and intellectual stability. In the UAE, the family is not merely a social unit—it is the nucleus upon which generations rely,” said the minister in a statement.
The theme of this year’s International Day of Families aligns closely with the UAE’s national vision, which identifies families as critical enablers of sustainability across social, economic, and environmental spheres. The minister said family units are key to transmitting Emirati identity, values, and heritage, helping preserve the nation’s culture while preparing future generations for the evolving demands of the modern world.
“We reaffirm our commitment to advancing family-oriented policies and empowering families as the enduring foundation of our societies and our shared future,” she said.
This year’s commemoration comes shortly after the UAE established a dedicated Ministry of Family—an institutional move widely seen as reinforcing the country’s strategic focus on social cohesion and inclusive development. The ministry is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping long-term strategies that safeguard family values and promote balance, stability, and wellbeing within households.
“The family is not only the heart of society; it is also its source of strength, balance, and stability.”
H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed
H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed, Vice-Chairperson of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, echoed these sentiments, describing the family as “the first home” where values are nurtured and identities are shaped.
“The family is not only the heart of society; it is also its source of strength, balance, and stability,” said Sheikha Mariam. “We are reminded of the profound meaning of a home that instils values, responsibility, and belonging from the very beginning.”
She underlined that every measure taken to support and empower families contributes directly to more inclusive and sustainable development. Her Highness highlighted the UAE’s long-standing efforts to promote a family-friendly environment through a wide array of national programmes, policies, and services that improve quality of life and foster role balance within households.
“These efforts ensure families thrive and are resilient in the face of changing economic and social realities. Nurturing strong family ties and upholding the values of compassion and responsibility are key to building a more united and prosperous society,” Sheikha Mariam added.
Meanwhile, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, reinforced the message that families are central to both cohesion and long-term national development.
“This year’s observance of International Day of Families carries added meaning with the establishment of the Ministry of Family,” said Sheikh Abdullah. “It reflects the UAE’s strategic vision of placing the family at the centre of national priorities.”
He added that the UAE’s holistic approach to social development is rooted in the understanding that strong families produce confident, responsible, and productive individuals. This vision is implemented through integrated frameworks in education, healthcare, housing, and social services that bolster family stability and encourage active participation in community life.
- “Empowering families is essential to empowering society. The UAE has built systems that surround families with the respect, care, and opportunity they need to flourish.”
- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan
“Empowering families is essential to empowering society. The UAE has built systems that surround families with the respect, care, and opportunity they need to flourish,” said Sheikh Abdullah. He called for collaborative efforts across sectors to work hand-in-hand with families in shaping a confident, ambitious generation that will drive national growth.
Leaders across the board agree that family empowerment goes beyond providing support; it involves equipping families with the tools to raise well-rounded individuals who can meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected and fast-paced world.
As the UAE continues to invest in human capital development and societal resilience, the centrality of the family remains a guiding principle. Whether through housing policies that support young couples, parental leave regulations, or educational initiatives that promote intergenerational values, the country’s family-first approach remains a key pillar of its development strategy.
On this year’s International Day of Families, the UAE stands as a regional leader in integrating family wellbeing into sustainable development goals—ensuring that the path to national progress remains firmly rooted in the strength, unity, and enduring values of its families.
