DFWAC Study Affirms Enduring Strength of Family Values in Emirati Society

A comprehensive examination of family dynamics reveals that Emiratis continue to prioritise intimate bonds and meaningful communication, even as contemporary life evolves

The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children has unveiled findings from its authoritative “Family Communication and Cohesion” study, which illuminates the profound importance that UAE society places upon familial connection and interpersonal engagement. The research was presented as part of a curated exhibition accompanying the second Family Forum, convened by the Foundation under the distinguished theme “A Closer Family… A Stronger Society” in celebration of the Year of the Family 2026.

Sheikha Saeed Al Mansoori, Director General of the Foundation, observed that the study’s conclusions demonstrate the remarkable priority that participants accord to family bonds and values, even amid the considerable transformations inherent in contemporary existence. She emphasised that face-to-face communication and family gatherings remain profoundly significant within Emirati households, notwithstanding the accelerating pace of technological and social change.

The research reveals a nuanced relationship between traditional practices and modern communication platforms. Notably, 80% of study participants acknowledged that social media has assumed an integral position within family relationships, recognising its capacity to facilitate connection amongst kinship networks without displacing the irreplaceable value of direct human interaction.

The findings further illuminate cherished customs that continue to flourish within Emirati family life. Seventy-seven percent of participants reported sharing at least one meal daily with family members, whilst 79% celebrate significant family occasions with consistency. These practices represent far more than mere routine; they constitute meaningful opportunities for genuine interaction, reinforce familial closeness, and serve as vital mechanisms through which precious family bonds are preserved and strengthened across generations.

Source: WAM