Under the patronage of Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, the Ministry of Interior councils were inaugurated yesterday across all Emirates. The inaugural session delved into the theme "The Family: Pillar of Society" within the overarching theme of the councils: "Emirati Society: Enduring Traditions, Global Perspectives."
The inaugural session, organized by the Law Respect Culture Office in collaboration with the Security Media Department of the Ministry of Interior, shed light on crucial topics including family rights and responsibilities, fostering positive family dynamics, and the contemporary challenges confronting families on a global scale.
Abu Dhabi: Continuous Monitoring of Children
At the council, hosted by Mubarak Saeed Bakhit Al-Rashdi and moderated by journalist Khaled Al-Maashani, HE Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi, Inspector General of the Ministry of Interior and President of Interpol, emphasized the significance of the Ministry of Interior's Ramadan councils. These platforms are pivotal for effective community engagement, yielding fruitful outcomes beneficial for society at large and particularly for families.
The council was attended by distinguished figures including Brigadier General Sultan Buataba Al Zaabi, Director General of Community Protection and Crime Prevention, and Lt. Colonel Dr. Ahmed Ghareeb Al Mansouri, an educational supervisor in the Juvenile Welfare Department at the Abu Dhabi Police General HQs. Also in attendance were Major Dr. Hamid Khalfan Al Kindi, Head of the Institutional Excellence Department at the Sharjah Police General HQs, Captain Abdul Rahman Abdullah Al Nuaimi - Head of the Prevention and Awareness Department at the Ministry of Interior’s Center for Child Protection, religious preacher Saif Issa Al Maskari from the Abu Dhabi Police General HQs, and Professor Saleh Taher Al Buraiki, Director of the Customer Happiness Center at the Ministry of Community Development.
Lt. Colonel Dr. Ahmed Ghareeb Al Mansouri emphasized, "Islam and the Emirati legislator have recognized the family as the cornerstone of society, enveloping it with legislation and provisions that ensure comfort, stability, and security for individuals. The family holds the responsibility of providing a nurturing environment for the holistic development of its members, serving as their primary school where foundational life values and principles are instilled."
Major Dr. Hamid Khalfan Al Kindi elaborated on the concept of positive family leadership, stressing the importance of fostering relationships within the family that promote positive growth and development. A positive family leader, he noted, possesses qualities such as effective communication, understanding, and providing guidance and support to family members.
Captain Abdul Rahman Abdullah Al Nuaimi underscored the necessity of parental supervision over children's online activities to safeguard them from potential risks, including exposure to inappropriate content and interactions with strangers. He emphasized the importance of educating children about online dangers and fostering open communication for reporting any concerning situations. Additionally, he advised parents to regularly monitor and assess the suitability of websites and apps used by their children.
Professor Saleh Taher Al Buraiki highlighted the National Family Policy's objectives, aimed at equipping families to navigate the challenges of marital life and uphold stability and cohesion. The policy seeks to foster a supportive environment for families to withstand life's pressures while enhancing the capabilities of Emirati families to raise responsible individuals who embody national values and principles.
Religious preacher Saif Al-Maskari emphasized the pivotal role of families in shaping individuals who contribute positively to society. He categorized people's attitudes toward family matters into three groups: those deeply invested in family affairs, those neglectful of them, and those with a partial interest, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing righteousness in family dynamics.
Journalist Fahd Heikal underscores that historically, the family has been the primary and fundamental source for shaping culture, ideology, and values for both children and society at large. However, with the emergence and widespread adoption of various social media platforms, this paradigm has shifted. The family's influence as the sole purveyor of cultural and moral values has diminished, as children are now exposed to a multitude of diverse influences. Consequently, families must intensify their supervision over children to shield them from potential negative influences and safeguard their well-being.
Dubai: Effective Communication is Paramount
During the council hosted by Dr. Arif Sheikh Abdullah Al-Hassan in Dubai and moderated by journalist Ahmed Al-Yamahi, speakers highlighted the paramount importance of fostering effective communication within families and the imperative need for continuous monitoring of children to mitigate the adverse effects of social media and electronic devices.
Distinguished attendees included Dr. Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Haddad, Chief Mufti and Director of the Fatwa Department at the Department of Islamic Affairs in Dubai, Dr. Moza Obaid Ghobash, National Security Advisor in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Ahmed Al-Sayed Ibrahim Al-Hashimi, former Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, and Hussein Hassan Mirza, Member of the Board of Directors of the Awareness and Care Association.
Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz Al-Haddad emphasized the family's foundational role in shaping individual personality and fostering societal health. He lamented the contemporary challenges faced by families, particularly due to the pervasive influence of modern technology and social media, necessitating vigilant monitoring by parents.
Dr. Moza Ghobash underscored the imperative for families to shield children from the perils of the virtual realm. Advocating for a balanced approach, she stressed the importance of parental guidance and modeling positive behavior. Monitoring children's electronic device usage and ensuring quality time spent with them were deemed essential.
Dr. Ahmed Sayed Al Hashemi highlighted the significance of familial role models in facilitating personality development and guiding correct behavior. He stressed that parents serve as primary role models for their children, with all family members playing a crucial role in promoting positive values and behaviors that contribute to building self-confidence and fostering familial cohesion.
Hussein Hassan Mirza addressed the financial challenges confronting families today, which can strain stability and well-being. He acknowledged the impact of parental work commitments on family dynamics, emphasizing the importance of balancing work and family life to maintain effective communication and overall familial harmony.
Ras Al Khaimah: Family is a Trust
Under the patronage of HE Sultan Salem bin Yaqoub Al Zaabi, Member of the Federal National Council, a council convened in Ras Al Khaimah, moderated by media personality Mohammed Ghanem. Speakers underscored the familial bond as a sacred trust, emphasizing the need to nurture, stabilize, and support initiatives contributing to its perpetuity and triumph.
The council welcomed esteemed participants including retired Brigadier General Yousef Al Zaabi from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security, Brigadier Dr. Yousef bin Yacoub, Deputy Director General of Central Operations at the Ras Al Khaimah Police General HQs, Dr. Saif Al Shafiri, an institutional performance advisor in the Office of the Commander-in-Chief at the Ras Al Khaimah Police General HQs, and Dr. Jamal Abdul Qadir Al Shehhi, a religious preacher in the Punitive and Correctional Institution Department at the Ras Al Khaimah Police General HQs.
Counselor Sultan bin Yacoub commended the Ministry of Interior's councils for fostering trust within the Emirati community, amplifying familial and communal synergy a paramount objective pursued by the UAE government and the Ministry of Interior through robust community engagements.
Dr. Jamal Abdul Qader Al Shehhi emphasized the pivotal role of the family as society's cornerstone. He advocated for cohesive familial structures and the nurturing of children in accordance with religious teachings, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage as prescribed in the Holy Qur’an.
Saif Al-Shafiri highlighted the centrality of the family within governmental strategies, emphasizing its critical role in realizing societal balance and cohesion. He stressed the importance of fortifying family units to achieve the UAE's quality of life strategy and foster a harmonious society.
Colonel Dr. Nasser Muhammad Al-Bakr, Director of the Community Police Department at Ras Al Khaimah Police, elucidated the family's foundational role in societal harmony. He addressed contemporary challenges faced by families, particularly the impact of social media on familial cohesion, advocating for adherence to traditional values and continuous parental guidance to preserve cultural heritage and bolster family bonds.
Ajman: Understanding and Dialogue
At the Women’s Council convened by Sheikha Aisha Khalid Sultan Al Qasimi in Ajman and moderated by media personality Mona Al Raisi, speakers emphasized the importance of constructive conflict resolution within families, advocating for collaborative solutions that address the needs and desires of all family members.
Key figures present included HE Naima Abdullah Al Sharhan, Major Wafaa Khalil Ibrahim Al Hosani, and Dr. Radhya Hassan Yaqoob Al Beloushi.
HE Naima Abdullah Al Sharhan underscored the UAE's commitment to empowering women, recognizing them as integral components of the family fabric while upholding Emirati heritage and culture. She emphasized the pivotal role of the family in navigating social and economic changes intelligently and consciously.
Major Wafaa Khalil Ibrahim Al Hosani highlighted contemporary challenges facing families, such as excessive reliance on technology and strained parental communication due to modern life demands. She stressed the necessity of effective communication between parents and children to overcome obstacles and strengthen familial bonds.
Dr. Radhya Hassan Yaqoob Al Beloushi emphasized the importance of wise and respectful leadership within families, with mothers serving as role models for their children. She advocated for understanding the root causes of marital discord to enhance familial relationships, promoting open communication and mutual support among family members.
Lamia Ahmed Al Zaabi emphasized the importance of educational methods and supportive legislation that prioritize the family's role in nurturing positive personalities and instilling values. She highlighted the family's crucial role in fostering a balanced and developed society.
Dr. Benna Youssef emphasized the significance of dialogue and understanding within families, particularly in meeting basic needs and supporting mothers as the primary educators of children. She called for heightened awareness among fathers regarding their responsibility in maintaining family stability.
Dr. Ruqaya Jarraj Al-Raisi highlighted the transformative power of effective communication in shaping family behavior. She advocated for education grounded in positive motivation and the promotion of creativity and constructive interaction within families.
Umm Al Quwain: Confronting Challenges
At the council held in Umm Al Quwain, hosted by Dr. Ahmed Ali Saeed Al Ali and moderated by journalist Mohammed Al-Mannai, speakers emphasized the crucial need for parents to dedicate ample time to engage with their children, fostering dialogue and discussion that promote family stability, particularly during the academic year. They also highlighted the dual nature of social media, urging for the dissemination of a positive culture surrounding its usage to maximize its benefits while mitigating its potential harms.
Esteemed participants included HE Brigadier Sultan Rashid Al Shamsi, Director General of Resources and Support Services at Umm Al Quwain Police, HE Muhammad Issa Al Kashf, Member of the Federal National Council, Colonel Dr. Saif Salem Zaid Ibrahim, Director of the Department of the Correctional and Punitive Institution in Umm Al Quwain, Lt. Colonel Nasser Sultan bin Yousef, Head of the Community Police Department at Umm Al Quwain Police, Major Saeed Suleiman Obaid Al Mamari, Director of the Media Affairs Branch at Umm Al Quwain Police, and Saif Hamid Adran, Director of the Social Support Center in Umm Al Quwain.
Colonel Dr. Saif Salem Zaid emphasized parents' legal responsibility to nurture their children, safeguarding them from harm and guiding them towards responsible adulthood. He underscored the detrimental impact of parental neglect on children's behavior, advocating for family rehabilitation efforts to reinforce responsibility and instill a culture of familial accountability within society.
Major Saif Hamid Adran highlighted the evolving dynamics of community and familial bonds, noting the diminishing influence of societal role models on family values amidst the proliferation of social media. He stressed the importance of family awareness initiatives in bolstering cohesion and nurturing responsible generations capable of navigating modern challenges.
Lt. Colonel Nasser Sultan bin Yousef addressed the contemporary challenges facing families, including inadequate communication between schools and families and insufficient parental engagement with children. He emphasized the need to enhance familial communication and support systems to ensure children's proper upbringing and safeguard against the isolating effects of electronic devices.
Major Saeed Sulaiman Al-Maamari underscored the importance of preparing society to confront future challenges by fostering awareness and preserving authentic values. He emphasized the necessity of embracing cultural openness while maintaining societal identity, leveraging external communication opportunities for societal advancement.

Fujairah: Setting Positive Examples
In Fujairah, at the Women’s Council hosted by HE Aisha Khamis Al Dhanhani, Member of the Federal National Council, and moderated by Hessa Saif, media representatives, speakers emphasized the vital role of promoting positive role models within families, preserving cultural heritage and Emirati customs, and fostering family cohesion and dialogue through investments in family awareness programs and community education on the impact of social media addiction. The council was attended by HE Sheikha Saeed Al Kaabi, Member of the National Council, Sheikha Aisha Saeed Abdullah Al Sharqi, Major Dr. Maryam Ahmed Al Kaabi, Major Dr. Maryam Darwish Al Hashemi, and Captain Dr. Hawa Youssef Ahmed Al-Raisi.
Sheikha Aisha Saeed Abdullah Al Sharqi underscored the importance of parental supervision in guiding children toward proper behavior, safeguarding them from daily risks such as exposure to inappropriate online content or psychological pressures at school. She emphasized that parental monitoring not only protects children but also strengthens the parent-child relationship and fosters effective family communication.
Furthermore, she highlighted the significance of family dialogue as a cornerstone for healthy communication, enabling members to express thoughts and feelings openly, thereby fostering mutual understanding and reducing conflicts. Dialogue, she noted, plays a crucial role in problem-solving and nurturing trust and respect within the family unit.
Captain Dr. Hawa Youssef Al-Raisi emphasized the pivotal role of parents in nurturing children's personalities and social skills within a supportive and loving environment. She stressed the importance of parents serving as role models by embodying values and principles in their daily lives, guiding children toward responsible behavior, and maintaining their safety through active supervision and guidance.
Sheikha Saeed Al Kaabi highlighted effective communication as a fundamental pillar in fostering a healthy and cohesive family environment. By engaging in constructive dialogues and exchanging opinions, family members enhance mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation, laying the groundwork for resolving conflicts peacefully and effectively.
Major Dr. Maryam Darwish Al Hashemi addressed the role of technology in family life and child-rearing, acknowledging its benefits in providing innovative educational tools but also warning of its potential drawbacks, including isolation from the real world and exposure to inappropriate online content. She stressed the importance of parental monitoring and setting limits on electronic device usage to mitigate these risks.
Major Dr. Maryam Ahmed Al Kaabi discussed the negative impacts of excessive smart application usage within families, citing decreased productivity, reduced family bonding time, and compromised privacy. She emphasized the necessity of implementing household policies to regulate device usage while leveraging educational applications to enhance children’s skills.