Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Halal Industry Islamic Finance Islamic Lifestyle

UAE launches Ministry of Family to strengthen social fabric 


Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has announced the establishment of the ‘Ministry of Family’ to foster social empowerment. 

The ministry will be responsible for implementing policies, strategies and legislation to foster cohesive families, promote positive values, and support balanced family development.

Its responsibilities will include implementing initiatives to encourage and support prospective couples as well as manage marriage support services and grants, state-run news agency WAM reported. 

It will also develop programmes to offer parental training, enhance work-life balance and introduce measures to protect families and individuals under applicable laws. 

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “Families form the solid nucleus of our society, and their strength ensures the cohesion of our communities. We call on everyone to contribute to the empowerment and support of families."

The new ministry - which will be led by Sana bint Mohammad Suhail, director general of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority - will conduct studies and propose initiatives to increase fertility rates among Emirati families and reduce the risks of family breakdown. It will also focus on child welfare and suggest policies to ensure the various rights of children. 

The ministry of family will propose strategies to protect, empower, and integrate vulnerable groups, including people of determination, senior citizens, orphans, and victims of abuse. It will manage family care programs for children in need of alternative families and issue official documents for children born of unknown parentage.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also announced other government reshuffles, including the relaunch of the Ministry of Community Development' to the 'Ministry of Community Empowerment,' under the leadership of Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui. The ministry will adopt an integrated community empowerment model designed to boost community participation and oversee social support system and empowerment programmes, providing a safety net for low-income families.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: "The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, will oversee the development of strategic directions in the family and community empowerment portfolios, and the alignment between the plans of the new ministries, linking their directions with education and human development within a unified and a comprehensive vision.” 

“The human journey in the UAE is integrated and interconnected from birth to the completion of education, to the career pathways, to the growth of families, and to the contribution to the community and the country."

The Ministry of Community Empowerment will develop strategies and legislation to regulate not for profit organizations, set criteria and procedures for licensing entities permitted to receive, or offer donations, both domestically and internationally, and implement programmes to promote volunteering initiatives among individuals, government entities, and private sector organisations. 

It will also oversee the licensing, and regulation of houses of worship for non-Muslims.
 


Author Profile Image
Editor