Dubai: In line with the “Year of Community,” Dubai Police, represented by the General Department of Human Rights, in collaboration with the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, organised a special forum to mark the International Day of Families. 

The event, held at Dubai Police Officers Club, aimed to reinforce family cohesion, promote conscious parenting, strengthen ties between families and institutions, and encourage open, constructive dialogue between parents and youth to build a more resilient and connected society.

The forum was attended by His Excellency Major General Dr. Abdul Quddus Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidly, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Excellence and Pioneering at Dubai Police; Huraiz Al Mur Bin Huraiz, CEO of the Social Development Sector at the Community Development Authority; as well as specialists in family support and development, officers, parents, and representatives from various government entities.

A Platform for Collaboration and Forward Thinking

In his opening remarks, Major General Al Obaidly welcomed the guests and emphasised Dubai Police’s commitment to organising initiatives that place the family at the core of societal stability. “The family is the cornerstone of any strong community – a sanctuary of security, values, and upbringing,” he stated.

He added, “This forum brings together key stakeholders under one roof to exchange insights, share expertise, and develop forward-looking strategies that respond to the evolving needs of our society. At Dubai Police, we consistently work to promote human rights principles and create a safe, empowering environment for families.”

Major General Al Obaidly also noted that the forum serves not just as a platform for dialogue, but as a catalyst for actionable recommendations and collaborative initiatives that strengthen family resilience and contribute to national well-being.

The Family: Society’s Beating Heart

Huraiz Al Mur Bin Huraiz echoed this message, stating: “The family has always been, and will remain, the beating heart of society. Today’s gathering is not just about marking an annual occasion—it is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to the family as the foundation of community strength and stability.”

He explained that families today face more complex and rapidly changing challenges—digital, economic, social, and psychological—and that institutions must move beyond raising awareness to offering tangible support, empowerment, and daily engagement with these realities.

Al Mur highlighted the Community Development Authority’s ongoing efforts to strengthen family ties not just as a slogan, but as a guiding principle evident in its programmes, partnerships, and community initiatives. He emphasised the need to bridge families with a wider network of supportive institutions across the security, health, and service sectors to create a holistic safety net that starts at home and extends to all areas of life.

He concluded: “Parenting is not an individual task—it is a shared responsibility. Our role is to equip parents with the tools they need to navigate today’s realities with wisdom and resilience. Open dialogue between parents and youth is vital—not just to bridge gaps, but to build mutual understanding, trust, and lasting support.”

Panel Sessions and Partner Recognition

The forum concluded with the recognition of participating partners by Major General Al Obaidly and Huraiz Al Mur Bin Huraiz. Honourees included the General Directorate of Civil Defence, Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, and the Heritage Revival Society.

The event featured engaging panel discussions covering topics such as “The Role of Families in Promoting Child Health,” “Parenting Then and Now,” “The Impact of Family Stability on Public Safety,” “Towards a Stable Family,” and “Safety and Behavioural Messages for Youth.” It also introduced attendees to the initiatives of Dubai Police’s Positive Spirit Council and its ongoing community-based programmes.