Abu Dhabi, August 1, 2024 – H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved the launch of the Medeem Centre for Family Nurturing. This centre is part of the broader Medeem initiative, which was launched by the Department of Community Development in April 2024.
During a meeting with senior management of the Department of Community Development, Sheikh Khaled was briefed on the Medeem initiative's goals and the Centre's offerings. The services and facilities of the Centre are meticulously designed to advance the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy, aiming to enhance social cohesion and family stability by upholding Emirati values.
Sheikh Khaled emphasized the significance of the Medeem initiative in fostering the development of Emirati families. He praised the Centre’s contributions to the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy, highlighting its role in nurturing social cohesion and family stability. "The Medeem initiative is crucial in fostering the development of Emirati families," Sheikh Khaled stated, "and the Centre's contribution to the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy aims to enhance social cohesion and family stability by upholding Emirati values."
The Medeem Centre provides comprehensive support for engaged couples through educational courses, awareness programs, and community initiatives. It encourages youth to embrace authentic Emirati customs and traditions in organizing wedding celebrations. Sheikh Khaled stressed the need to equip engaged and newly married couples with essential social, physical, and psychological skills and knowledge. This preparation is vital for a successful married life, enabling families to raise their children responsibly while building stable families that contribute to Abu Dhabi's sustainable prosperity.
Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed that the Medeem Centre, along with other community initiatives, underscores the leadership's dedication to fostering a thriving Emirati society. "This commitment," he noted, "is rooted in the firm belief that a stable Emirati family is the cornerstone of an integrated and sustainable community, playing a pivotal role in achieving a long-term sustainable future."
A notable feature introduced to Sheikh Khaled was the Journey of a Lifetime Experience, a facility specifically designed to support couples in planning their weddings. Utilizing innovative AI-powered technology, this facility transforms the wedding planning process into an interactive experience. Couples can select various elements of their wedding, including themes, designs, and scents, ensuring their choices align with the principles of the Medeem Model for Women's Weddings.
Developed following international standards and best practices, while respecting local traditions and customs, the Centre offers integrated services delivered by experts, specialists, and mentors in marital relations, family counselling, and psychological support.
Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, highlighted the Centre's significance as an enhancement to the community services framework of Abu Dhabi. He emphasized the Department's commitment to its regulatory role in the emirate's social sector. "The Centre's services cater to the youth and families," Dr. Al Khaili explained, "and in doing so, it continues to nurture future generations of Emirati citizens who are responsible and dedicated to their society and country."
Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Department of Community Development, expressed the Centre’s clear vision to help Emiratis lead successful marriage journeys and fulfilling family lives. "The primary goal of the Centre is to prepare engaged and newly married couples with a sense of responsibility towards forming lasting and blessed relationships," Al Dhaheri stated. "This is a goal that each family member contributes towards, creating a happier society in Abu Dhabi."
The Medeem Centre for Family Nurturing, the first of its kind in family preparation in Abu Dhabi, facilitates successful marriage journeys and fulfilling family lives through a comprehensive array of preventive services, early interventions, and continuous follow-ups.
The Centre is committed to preparing young individuals for marriage by educating them and equipping them with necessary skills to ensure family stability and the wellbeing of children. It focuses on strengthening family bonds and promoting a culture of positive and responsible parenting.
The Centre offers six primary services tailored to different age groups: a rehabilitation program for engaged couples, family counselling, family mediation, post-divorce counselling, child custody arrangements, and educational and awareness programs for parents, families, and children. It provides guidance and counselling during the pre-marriage stage, preparing engaged and newly married couples to manage all aspects of marital life and family formation through authentic Emirati values.
Additionally, the Centre offers family counselling services to support families facing challenges, helping them overcome obstacles and thrive.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Layla Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector at the Department of Community Development, and Dr. Mona Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Medeem Initiative at the Department of Community Development.
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