The United Arab Emirates has taken a landmark step by establishing a new Ministry of Family, led by Sanaa Suhail, as announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.
Expert Insights on Family Support
Family therapist Cindi Santos from GEMS Wellington International School highlights the ministry’s potential impact: “We see families facing various challenges daily. The ministry’s focus on mental health, family counselling, and community support will help create an environment where families receive proper guidance.”
Santos identifies key areas requiring attention:
- Communication challenges within families
- Work and personal life balance
- Technology’s impact on family relationships
- Mental health support needs
Marriage Preparation and Family Stability
Dr Amina Al Hamadi, a sociologist, emphasises the importance of pre-marriage support: “In today’s fast-moving society, preparing couples for marriage is crucial. The ministry’s marriage preparation programmes will help build strong family foundations.”
The ministry’s key responsibilities include:
- Developing policies for stable families
- Increasing citizen fertility rates
- Reducing family breakdown risks
- Enhancing parenting skills
- Supporting work-life balance initiatives
Professional Standards and Regulation
Psychologist Dr Omar Khaled addresses the importance of regulating social services: “A structured framework will maintain consistent standards across all support providers. This coordination will create better outcomes for families.”
The ministry will oversee:
- Training social sector personnel
- Licensing social service professionals
- Regulating social service institutions
- Protecting children’s rights
- Supporting vulnerable groups
Future Impact
The Ministry of Family represents a significant advancement in UAE’s social development. Through coordinated efforts and regulated support systems, it aims to strengthen family units and promote social wellbeing across the emirates.
Santos concludes: “This initiative has the power to positively change how families grow and succeed in the UAE.”
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