The UAE has announced a new Ministry of Family, focusing on improving family support systems and enhancing social services. Experts in child development and social work are optimistic about its potential to bring positive change by addressing key issues like family cohesion, parenting skills, and child well-being.
The initiative aims to create a comprehensive framework to support families, offering clear guidelines and resources for social workers and organizations. This step marks a significant move toward strengthening the nation’s social fabric.
Leadership and Vision
Sanaa Suhail has been appointed to lead the Ministry of Family, as declared by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, on December 8, 2023.
The ministry’s primary goals include fostering stable families, promoting parenting programs, ensuring work-life balance, and addressing family-related challenges such as mental health, communication barriers, and the influence of technology.
Expert Insights
Cindi Santos, a family therapist at GEMS Wellington International School, highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental health and family counseling. She stated, “Policies that focus on mental health and community support can create a culture where families feel empowered.”
Santos hopes the ministry will provide accessible family counseling and parenting workshops to reduce stigma around seeking help. She emphasized that addressing communication gaps and promoting active listening can prevent emotional distance and unresolved conflicts.
Challenges and Opportunities
The new ministry will tackle issues like work-life imbalance, unaddressed mental health challenges, and the growing influence of technology on family dynamics. It plans to launch workshops and campaigns to promote emotional intelligence and effective communication. Additionally, collaborations with schools and workplaces aim to create family-friendly policies and coping strategies.
Santos believes this initiative could transform family life in the UAE, fostering a supportive culture for diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Strengthening Family Foundations
Sociologist Dr. Amina Al Hamadi stressed the importance of preparing couples for marriage. “Marriage preparation programs can equip couples with skills to form cohesive families,” she explained. She also highlighted the potential benefits of organized marriage support programs and grants to strengthen bonds and ensure family stability.
Dr. Al Hamadi pointed out that these initiatives could help couples navigate early marriage challenges, ultimately contributing to community stability.
Regulation and Quality Assurance
Psychologist Dr. Omar Khaled emphasized the need for consistent standards in institutions offering social services. “A regulatory framework ensures that all providers adhere to high-quality standards,” he said. Dr. Khaled believes this step will foster collaboration among organizations and improve outcomes for families.
The Ministry of Family is set to regulate institutions, train personnel, and license professionals in the social sector. These measures aim to enhance the quality of social services and create a unified system to support families.
Key Responsibilities of the Ministry
The Ministry of Family will focus on:
- Developing policies to promote stable families.
- Supporting parenting programs and work-life balance initiatives.
- Safeguarding children’s rights and supporting vulnerable groups.
- Regulating social service institutions and licensing professionals.
- Preparing couples for marriage and increasing fertility rates among citizens.
With the right initiatives, experts believe the ministry can make a significant difference in supporting families across the UAE.
