The UAE has established a dedicated Ministry of Family, aiming to bolster family stability and cohesion, as announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday, December 8.
The new ministry will be headed by Sanaa Suhail, a seasoned government official known for her extensive work in early childhood development, family welfare, and support for people of determination. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized, “The family is a national priority, the cornerstone of progress, and a guarantee for the nation’s future.”
Responsibilities and Vision
The Ministry of Family is entrusted with several key responsibilities to ensure the well-being of families across the nation. Its objectives include:
- Developing policies and strategies to promote family stability and cohesion.
- Introducing initiatives to increase fertility rates among Emirati families.
- Preventing family breakdowns and mitigating their impact on society.
- Preparing couples for marriage and organizing marriage support programmes and grants.
- Enhancing parenting skills and promoting work-life balance for families.
- Ensuring the protection and well-being of children, safeguarding their rights in education, health, and social development.
- Empowering vulnerable and at-risk groups to integrate seamlessly into society.
- Regulating and licensing institutions that provide social services and training professionals in the social sector.
A Strategic National Initiative
Sheikh Mohammed’s announcement aligns with recent directives from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed. These directives stress the importance of national programmes to foster family growth, stability, and cohesion, alongside raising fertility rates.
Speaking about the significance of this initiative, Sheikh Mohammed stated, “The new ministry will be tasked with this important national matter.”
Ministry of Community Development Renamed
In a parallel development, Sheikh Mohammed announced the renaming of the Ministry of Community Development to the Ministry of Community Empowerment. Under the leadership of Shamma Al Mazrouei, the revamped ministry will focus on enhancing social empowerment and increasing community participation.
Key duties of the Ministry of Community Empowerment include:
- Managing social support systems to ensure a dignified life for low-income Emirati families.
- Overseeing public benefit organizations and regulating donation activities.
- Promoting volunteer work among individuals, government bodies, and private organizations.
- Regulating and licensing non-Muslim houses of worship and monitoring their operations.
Enhancing Family and Community Well-Being
The establishment of the Ministry of Family and the rebranding of the Ministry of Community Empowerment mark a significant step in the UAE’s strategy to foster a cohesive, empowered, and balanced society. These initiatives aim to strengthen the social fabric of the nation while ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
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UAE, Sheikh Mohammed, Ministry of Family, Sanaa Suhail, family welfare, social empowerment, community stability, family development, UAE initiatives
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The UAE announces a new Ministry of Family to enhance stability and cohesion, led by Sanaa Suhail, alongside the rebranding of the Ministry of Community Development.
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Government, Social Development
