Al dhafra: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sandooq Al Watan, inaugurated the 'My Family in the UAE' forum in Al Dhafra Region, emphasizing that celebrating the family in the UAE is akin to celebrating the nation itself, reflecting loyalty and belonging to the country and its leadership.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the significance of the occasion, expressing pride in President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE's achievements under his leadership. He conveyed his gratitude and appreciation for the President's steadfast commitment to defending the nation and achieving sustainable development, ensuring the UAE remains a nation of unity, dignity, and stability.
The forum, organized by Sandooq Al Watan and the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in collaboration with over 50 federal and local entities, coincided with the International Day of Families and the UAE's Year of the Family initiative. It featured a session titled "My Family in the UAE," where six Emirati and resident families shared experiences about life in the UAE and the influence of the country's environment on shaping generations.
Sheikh Nahyan also honored distinguished families and the evaluation committee, comprising researcher Ahmed Al Housani, academic Dr. Fatima Al Mazrouei, and writer Nasinah Mertovic, for their contributions to the forum's success. The event included dialogue sessions under the theme "Proud of the UAE," aimed at strengthening familial and societal cohesion, attended by 165 Emirati and resident families. Discussions focused on intra-family communication and the family's role in fostering national identity across generations.
Sheikh Nahyan emphasized the role of families as pillars of civilization and progress, stating that the family in the UAE is the foundation of social stability, connecting the country's past, present, and future. He praised H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her efforts in supporting families and advancing society, describing her as a pioneering model in human development and community empowerment.
Additionally, Sheikh Nahyan expressed appreciation for H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, commending his dedication to supporting Al Dhafra's development and empowering the UAE's younger generations. He underscored the importance of generational communication and expressed hope that the forum would support the objectives of the 'Tawasul' programme launched by Sandooq Al Watan.
The forum saw participation from families from the UAE, United Kingdom, United States, India, Iraq, and Syria, who shared experiences about life in the UAE and the values of tolerance and coexistence fostered by Emirati society. Participants highlighted the UAE's role in promoting safety, inclusion, and cultural diversity, while emphasizing the family's importance in building cohesive communities and nurturing future generations.