Al Ketbi: Dubai places people at the forefront of its priorities to build a more stable and productive society

Al Haddad: A cohesive family is a fundamental pillar of a balanced society

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 20, 2025: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) organised a Ramadan evening yesterday at Al Khawaneej Majlis under the theme 'The Importance of Family Bonding in Enhancing Mental Well-being.' The event was attended by His Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, alongside religious and educational experts, as well as members of the community.

The event is part of DHA’s ongoing efforts to promote mental well-being in line with its strategy to enhance quality of life. It also aligns with the initiatives of the 'Year of the Community,' which aims to strengthen family ties and foster a culture of social cohesion.

His Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi emphasised the significance of mental well-being as a key pillar of quality of life and sustainable development. He highlighted that Dubai prioritizes people at the core of its strategies, recognizing the importance of psychological balance in building more stable and productive societies.

He explained that DHA adopts a comprehensive approach to mental well-being through a range of initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and enhancing their ability to overcome challenges. This aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the emirate’s vision to achieve the highest levels of social well-being.

Al Ketbi further pointed out DHA’s ongoing efforts to instill preventive concepts and enhance mental well-being through proactive strategies that extend beyond conventional healthcare. These efforts aim to create a supportive environment that fosters psychological balance and social stability, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global model for quality of life and healthcare excellence.

Expert Discussions on Family and Mental Health

The Ramadan evening, moderated by Emirati media personality Suad Al Kaabi, featured insightful discussions by:

Dr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Haddad, Grand Mufti, Director of the Ifta Department at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai

Dr. Younis Al Hosani, Certified Educational Leader and School Principal

Discussions centered on the crucial role of family in mental well-being and the importance of creating a supportive family environment to achieve psychological balance and societal stability.

Dr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Haddad shed light on Islamic perspectives on family cohesion, emphasising its role in achieving emotional and social stability. He stressed the importance of kinship ties, parental roles in fostering emotional security, and Prophetic guidance that encourages familial compassion, noting that a strong family foundation is essential for a balanced and stable society.

Dr. Younis Al Hosani highlighted the role of conscious parenting in enhancing children's and youth's mental well-being. He pointed to the positive impact of strong family relationships on academic performance and social behavior, emphasising family dialogue as a key element in building trust, understanding, and emotional security for children.

DHA’s Initiatives to Promote Mental Well-being

Dr. Ramadan Al Blooshi, Advisor to the Director-General of DHA and Acting Director of the Public Health Protection Department, outlined DHA’s efforts in launching sustainable programmes and initiatives to raise awareness about mental well-being and create a supportive environment for improving quality of life. These efforts align with Dubai’s vision of fostering a healthier and happier society.

He stated:

'Collaboration between relevant authorities and community partnerships is a fundamental pillar in achieving our goals. DHA is committed to strengthening cooperation across various sectors to ensure the sustainability of mental well-being and support the ‘Year of the Community’ initiatives, which promote family bonding and social cohesion as part of Dubai’s comprehensive public health strategy.'

The evening also included open discussions with attendees on the challenges families face in modern times and the best ways to enhance family unity amid rapid social developments. The discussions aimed to contribute to achieving sustainable mental well-being for the community.

Dr. Hend Al Awadhi, Head of Health Promotion and Education at DHA's Public Health Department, said: 'This event reflects DHA’s commitment to strengthening mental well-being and raising community awareness about the importance of family bonding as a key factor in achieving stability and well-being. It is part of an integrated vision aimed at improving quality of life and fostering social prosperity.'