Department Of Community Development Hosts Talks To Strengthen Family Bonds And Celebrate Emirati Culture

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi is hosting Community Talks as part of the UAE’s Year of the Community. This initiative, now in its second year, aims to foster meaningful discussions about family, culture, and community values during the holy month. The focus is on strengthening family ties, social unity, and national identity, aligning with DCD's mission to build connected communities rooted in Emirati values.

These sessions bring together thought leaders, family experts, cultural advocates, and content creators with the public in an interactive setting. The goal is to explore key social themes and offer practical insights that support long-term community well-being. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of DCD, Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary, along with executive leaders and community members attended these talks.

The first session titled "The Year of the Community and Family – A Path to Sustainable Social Cohesion" was held at Nabd Al Falah - Community Center. Discussions centred on family stability foundations, social institutions' roles in supporting families, financial planning benefits, and digital content's influence in promoting positive values.

Sheikha Al Hosani, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at DCD, highlighted the importance of these dialogues for fostering shared understanding. "These sessions are about more than conversation—they’re about connection," she said. "They help raise awareness around the importance of building strong, resilient families and keeping our cultural heritage alive for the next generation."

The second session took place at Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa in Al Ain under the theme "Values and Heritage – Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future." It focused on Emirati values and traditions' role in shaping national identity amid rapid cultural change. Cultural experts discussed strategies for preserving Emirati traditions and engaging younger generations through modern platforms.

Cultural advocates shared insights on using digital media to promote a strong sense of identity in today’s globalised world. The discussions aimed to highlight how modern tools can help pass on traditions while adapting to contemporary challenges.

The Community Talks initiative by DCD underscores its commitment to fostering dialogue that strengthens community bonds. By bringing together diverse voices to discuss vital social themes, these sessions aim to enhance understanding and promote a cohesive society grounded in shared values.

With inputs from WAM