TRENDS Group TRENDS Observatory

TRENDS Observatory 1st Annual Conference

The Family in the Era of Social Transformation

Date 12 November 2026 Thursday
Time 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM UAE Time
Location The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi · Map ↗
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With the support of

Strategic Partners

Programme

Agenda & Sessions

Thursday, 12 November 2026 · 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (UAE Time)

9:30 – 10:30
Registration and Welcoming Reception
10:30 – 10:45
Opening of the Conference Exhibition
10:45 – 11:30

Opening

Opening, Welcoming Remarks and Keynote Addresses

Opening Remarks

  • H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence

Keynote Addresses

  • H.E. Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi Minister of State
  • H.E. Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi UAE Minister of Justice
  • H.E. Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat

Master of Ceremony

  • Esmail Al-Marzooqi Researcher, TRENDS Observatory
11:30 – 12:30

High-Level Session

Family Formation and Changing Family Structures

This session will highlight the transformations taking place within Emirati families amid social and economic changes, including shifts in marriage and fertility patterns and young people’s attitudes toward family formation. It will examine the role of national policies and relevant institutions in responding to these transformations and strengthening family stability and cohesion, alongside the importance of research and data in understanding family-related challenges and identifying existing gaps. The session will also explore ways to enhance collaboration among government, community, and research institutions and identify future priorities for supporting Emirati families and ensuring the sustainability of their role in society.

Speakers

  • H.E. Wafaa Mohammed Al Ali Director of the Family Development Department, Family Development Foundation (FDF)
  • H.E. Khalifa Al-Dhaheri Chancellor, Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities
  • H.E. Salem Ali Al-Shamsi Executive Director of the Social Incubator and Contracting Sector, Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an
  • H.E. Abdulla Al-Nuaimi Assistant Undersecretary for the Family and Child Sector, Ministry of Family

Moderator

  • Fahad Al-Mahri General Manager, TRENDS Barometer
12:30 – 12:45
Break
12:45 – 1:45

Panel Discussion

Work, Care, and Family Balance

This session will examine the challenges families face in balancing professional demands with caregiving responsibilities and their implications for quality of life and family stability. It will highlight how working hours and evolving work arrangements influence the distribution of roles and responsibilities within families, as well as the role of institutional policies and practices in supporting work–family balance. The discussion will also address the needs of young people and families at different life stages, the influence of urban environments, housing, and commuting on family time, and the importance of research and data in developing policies and initiatives that promote family well-being and cohesion.

Speakers

  • Dr. Noura Nasser Al-Karbi Director, Women in Research Office, University of Sharjah
  • Dr. Ali Al-Ahbabi Director, UAEU Center for Public Policy and Leadership
  • Dr. Tatiana Karabchuk Associate Professor, Department of Government and Society, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, United Arab Emirates University
  • Ms. Mouza Al-Hanai Director of Strategy and Research, Research and Studies Department, Arab Youth Center
  • Mr. Abdullah Hasan Al-Shaer Director of Population and Social Statistics Department, Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi

Moderator

  • Abrar Al-Ali Head of Opinion Polls Sector, TRENDS Barometer
1:45 – 2:45
Lunch
2:45 – 3:45

Panel Discussion

Mental Health and Family Cohesion

This session will explore the importance of mental health in strengthening family stability and cohesion, as well as the psychological and social challenges affecting the quality of relationships among family members. It will highlight the impact of social and digital transformations on family communication and interaction, and the role of dialogue and mutual understanding between generations in fostering family connectedness. The discussion will also address the importance of prevention and early intervention in responding to psychological and family-related challenges, and the role of health and social institutions in developing mental health and family support services. Particular emphasis will be placed on raising mental health awareness and supporting families in adapting to ongoing social transformations.

Speakers

  • Dr. Nahida Niaz Chief Medical Officer, SEHA
  • Dr. Wadima Al-Dhaheri Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Studies and Graduate Studies, Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities
  • Dr. Clio Chaveneau Head of SAFIR Institute and Associate Professor of Sociology, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
  • Mr. Mohammed Al-Hanai Academic Researcher
  • Aysha Hasan Alhammadi Lead Specialist, Early Childhood Intervention, Early Childhood Authority (ECA)

Moderator

  • Mouza Al-Mheiri Researcher, TRENDS Observatory
3:45 – 4:45

Panel Discussion

Family and Education: Adapting to Social Transformation

This session will examine the role of families and educational institutions in raising future generations and preparing them to adapt to rapid social and technological transformations. It will focus on the importance of collaboration between families and schools in shaping children’s development and strengthening values and national identity. The session will also highlight the challenges families face in supporting their children’s education amid digital advancements and artificial intelligence, as well as the importance of communication and parental engagement with educational institutions. In addition, the discussion will explore the role of educational policies and initiatives in promoting equal opportunities, strengthening partnerships between families and educational institutions, and using research and data to develop an education system that responds to the evolving needs of families and society.

Speakers

  • Colonel Dr. Ahmed Sabaan Al Teneiji Federal Social Support Department, Ministry of Interior
  • H.E. Maria Al-Hattali Director of Research Centers, Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities
  • H.E. Dr. Karima Al-Mazrouei Advisor to the Chancellor, Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities

Moderator

  • MA
    Mariam Aljneibi Head of Digital Monitoring and Analysis, TRENDS Barometer
4:45 – 5:00
Closing Remarks

Registration

Reserve your seat

Attendance is by registration. Complete the form and our team will confirm your participation by email.

  • Thursday, 12 November 2026
  • 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (UAE Time)
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi

Registration form