Nahyan bin Mubarak inaugurates 'My Family in the UAE' forum

Speaking at the opening of the “My Family in the UAE” forum in the Al Dhafra Region, Sheikh Nahyan said the occasion also reflected pride in President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and in the UAE’s achievements under his leadership.

He added, "It is my honour to convey to His Highness the President the highest expressions of gratitude and appreciation for his firm and steadfast positions in defending the nation and achieving sustainable development within it — so that the UAE, under His Highness's leadership, may remain a proud nation, blessed with security and safety, and a symbol of unity, federation, dignity, pride, progress, and stability."

The forum was organised on Wednesday by Sandooq Al Watan and the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, in cooperation with more than 50 federal and local entities, coinciding with the International Day of Families and the UAE’s Year of the Family initiative.

The forum featured a session titled "My Family in the UAE", during which six Emirati and resident families shared their experiences of life in the UAE and the role of the country’s environment in shaping generations.

Sheikh Nahyan also honoured the distinguished families and the evaluation committee — comprising researcher Ahmed Al Housani, academic Dr Fatima Al Mazrouei, and writer Nasinah Mertović — for their contributions to the forum's success.

The forum also featured dialogue sessions under the banner "Proud of the UAE", aimed at strengthening familial and societal cohesion. These sessions were attended by 165 Emirati and resident families and addressed all matters relating to enhancing intra-family communication and the role of the family in instilling the values of belonging and national identity across successive generations.

Sheikh Nahyan said that celebrating the International Day of Families reflects pride in the family’s role as “a pillar of civilisation and a wellspring of progress.”

"The family in the UAE is the foundation of social stability — the link between our rich past, our flourishing present, and our brilliant future," he added.

Sheikh Nahyan also praised the role of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (Mother of the Nation), Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, in supporting families and advancing society, describing her efforts as a pioneering model of human development and community empowerment.

He also expressed appreciation for His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, praising his dedication to supporting the development of Al Dhafra and to empowering the UAE’s younger generations to contribute to the nation’s progress.

Sheikh Nahyan emphasised the importance of intergenerational communication and expressed hope that the forum’s activities would support the goals of the “Tawasul” programme, launched by Sandooq Al Watan to strengthen dialogue and understanding within families.

The forum featured participation by Emirati and resident families from the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Iraq, Syria and the UAE, who shared experiences of life in the country and the values of tolerance, coexistence and belonging fostered by Emirati society.

Participants highlighted the UAE’s role in promoting safety, inclusion and cultural diversity, and emphasised the importance of the family in building cohesive communities and nurturing future generations.