On May 15, the UAE marks the International Day of Families under the theme "Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025", emphasising a renewed vision that places families at the core of national progress.
The UAE prioritises family protection and support within its strategic vision, development plans and legislative policies, driven by a firm belief that families form the foundation of a cohesive, tolerant and secure nation. Families ensure the well-being and stability of individuals while nurturing authentic values and principles that shape Emirati identity. Strong, united families foster generations that are confident, aware and committed to national loyalty.
Since the UAE’s founding, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan recognised people as the nation’s greatest asset, focusing on their happiness and care. This legacy continues under the guidance of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, supported by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.
Strong, united families foster generations that are confident
Their visionary initiatives have significantly enhanced family stability and happiness, positioning the UAE as a global leader in family welfare metrics and advancing ambitions for the UAE Centennial 2071 under the motto "Towards a More Cohesive Society".
In line with the affirmation of President Sheikh Mohamed that “the family is the primary school for upbringing, education and instilling principles and national identity", we reaffirm that national strength begins at home. Families are the cornerstone for shaping identity, embedding values and building a future, preserving history and fostering a nation’s civilisation. A sustainable world starts with the family.
The establishment of the UAE Ministry of Family marks a pivotal moment in prioritising human development. The ministry serves as a platform to design and implement policies that promote balanced, stable and happy family environments, placing family well-being at the heart of social, economic and sustainable development. Like all societies, families face challenges that require proactive solutions.
The ministry, in collaboration with individuals and institutions, fosters a national dialogue to craft innovative family-focused policies, enabling continued progress across all sectors.
In its foundational phase, the Ministry of Family is adopting a collaborative approach based on listening, dialogue and co-design with partners from institutions and communities. It is exploring ways to enhance work-life balance through flexible, family-friendly policies, strengthening the role of parents and caregivers as key economic contributors, and empowering others to participate in the workforce.
The ministry is also supporting building human capital from early life stages, promoting financial and psychological readiness for marriage and family formation, and reinforcing intergenerational community bonds and support networks. These efforts ensure families’ voices contribute to shaping national policies, aligning with the goal of developing policies that elevate societal aspirations.
As the Second World Summit for Social Development approaches, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to active participation in global dialogue, leveraging local leadership. The nation’s vision is clear: a society where families are protected, opportunities are abundant and lives are enriched with purpose, connection and shared responsibility.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams