UAE Embassy in Bahrain Celebrates International Day of Families and the UAE’s “Year of the Family” 2026

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Kingdom of Bahrain organised a cultural event entitled “The Family: Growth and Belonging” on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, to mark the International Day of Families and celebrate the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the “Year of the Family.”

The event was held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Hala bint Mohammed Jaber Al Ansari, Advisor to His Majesty the King for Cultural and Scientific Affairs, and H.E. Fahad Mohammed bin Kardous Al Ameri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Kingdom of Bahrain, alongside a number of officials, media professionals and specialists in family and social affairs from the UAE and Bahrain.

In his remarks, H.E. Ambassador Al Ameri affirmed that the event reflects the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the UAE and Bahrain and their shared commitment to strengthening the position of the family as the cornerstone of society and a foundation for social cohesion and solidarity.

He noted that the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the “Year of the Family” reflects the leadership’s commitment to strengthening the role of the family, supporting its stability and empowering it to fulfil its vital role in society, while contributing to the objectives of the national agenda for the growth of the Emirati family and strengthening family bonds.

His Excellency stressed that the family is the foundation of development and stability and the environment in which values, identity, belonging and a sense of responsibility towards the nation are nurtured. He affirmed that the UAE believes that every genuine renaissance begins with the family and that investment in the future starts with its stability and cohesion.
The Ambassador also highlighted the family’s role in preserving shared identity and authentic values, raising future generations, and instilling the values of cooperation and compassion that are passed from one generation to another.

The event featured a panel discussion with the participation of Dr. Dunia Ahmed Abdullah, Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Bahrain, and Ms. Abeer Mohammed Duham, Director of the Department of Centres and Family and Childhood Development at the Ministry of Social Development. Moderated by media professional Yousef Ahmed, the session addressed the role of the family amid changing lifestyles, the importance of family warmth in developing stable and confident individuals, and ways of keeping pace with contemporary developments while preserving family values.

The panellists highlighted the importance of cooperation between families, educational and media institutions, and civil society organisations in reinforcing positive values, protecting younger generations from negative behaviours and strengthening social stability.

The session also addressed contemporary social and intellectual challenges facing families and reviewed initiatives and programmes launched by the UAE and Bahrain to support and empower families, reflecting their shared vision of building cohesive and stable societies.

At the conclusion of the event, H.E. Ambassador Fahad Mohammed bin Kardous Al Ameri presented a commemorative gift to H.E. Dr. Hala bint Mohammed Jaber Al Ansari and certificates of appreciation and commemorative gifts to the panellists, in recognition of their valuable contributions to the event.