Abu Dhabi, November 12, 2024: The Ministry of Interior (MoI), represented by the Federal Social Support Department, in collaboration with the Family Development Foundation (FDF), organised an interactive workshop titled ‘Kindness and Mercy Campaign: Planning for Family Building and Marriage Sustainability,’ at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The workshop was conducted by Dr. Fatima Abdullah Al Hammadi, a social expert at FDF.
The workshop aimed at reinforcing FDF’s efforts in attaining the key objectives of the Kindness and Mercy Campaign, which is in line with the vision and directiveness of Her Highness 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 Chairwomen of FDF.
Dr. Al Hammadi said: “This workshop supports FDF’s ongoing efforts in collaboration with its strategic partners to attain the key goals of its Kindness and Mercy Campaign. The campaign mainly seeks to raise awareness on the significance of getting married at an appropriate age, improve the rate of successful marriages and ensure its sustainability through family building and understanding life partners, further achieving maximum family stability and community cohesion.”
During the session, Dr. Al Hammadi covered the vital aspects of planning for married life that include mutual rights, responsibilities, housing, career life, social ties, health and financial matters.
Furthermore, she highlighted the key role of both partners and the significance of their well-being, healthy lifestyle, shared rights, decision-making, career goals and education. She also pointed out the importance of personal aspects such as vacations, entertainment, children, parenting styles, and the ways to manage relationships with the families of both spouses.
She also addressed the challenges of building strong relationships with the in-laws, highlighting the matters to be planned regarding these relationships and the level of dedication required. She explained how this commitment might impact the marital relationship, maintain privacy with one’s spouse and the minimum amount of commitment that one wants with a partner.
In addition, Dr. Al Hammadi said: “Mutual respect for each other’s families is vital for maintaining robust family bonds. Supporting your spouse to visit their family at times they feel appropriate while keeping the family's best interests in mind helps to reduce conflicts in families and ensure stability.”
She also explained the significance of social ties with relatives and friends, highlighting the necessity to plan these connections and understand the potential impact of these commitments on the marital relationship. She pointed out that having a mutual understanding on how to handle their interactions with friends and family, especially during holidays and other special events, is essential for a successful social relationship. In order to reach a solution that benefits both parties, partners should engage in active conversations.
Furthermore, she reiterated the importance of prioritising family over other social ties and enabling each partner to engage with their own families while always considering the family’s best interest. This plays a key role in maintaining a thriving and stable marriage.
Dr. Al Hammadi concluded the session by highlighting the relevance of maintaining financial resources to ensure the success of family relationships. She pointed out the need for couples to plan a family budget, manage debts, fulfil commitments to family members, and address current and future expenses. In addition, she underscored the significance of creating short-term budgets to manage day-to-day life while also setting long-term financial goals such as homeownership and saving. She advised couples to set practical goals wherever possible and strike a balance between saving and spending.
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