SCC’s committee visits Family Court and reviews its efforts

This visit came within the framework of the Committee’s keenness to combine its efforts with various parties concerned with family affairs, and to review the work and efforts made by the Family Court to achieve a comprehensive vision to support and develop the family entity as one of the vital foundations for building a developed and prosperous society.

The delegation of the SCC was headed by Halima Al Owais, Deputy Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC), in addition to Saeed Matar bin Hamed Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Family Affairs Committee.

The delegation also included committee members: Abdullah Al Badawi Al Hosani, Abdullah Ma'dan Al Ketbi, Abdullah bin Tarish Al Kaabi, Mohammed Al Alawi Al Dhahouri, and Hamid Obaid Al Hamoudi. The meeting was also attended by Hoda Al Hammadi, the committee's rapporteur, and Dr. Islam Al Shiwi, a media expert, from the General Secretariat of the Council. 

The committee was received by Judge Saeed Abdullah Masoud Al Kalbani, head of the Family Court, who welcomed the delegation and informed them of the court's ongoing efforts in addressing various family cases. The meeting was attended by a number of judges and their assistants from the administrative cadres.

The court also reviewed its work procedures, which focus on family reform and cohesion among family members, which contributes to resolving family disputes peacefully through family guidance.

Judge Al Kalbani pointed out that the court follows a comprehensive approach in dealing with family and marital issues, as it provides guidance and direction to both parties to reach family agreements that bind both parties and contribute to resolving disputes and clarifying family rights and duties according to the Personal Status Law. In the event that solutions are not reached by mutual consent, cases are referred to the competent judges to take the necessary decisions.

The committee stressed the importance of the role of the Family Court in providing a safe and comfortable environment, which helps them express their opinions and discuss sensitive issues with complete transparency and confidence, without feeling embarrassed.

The role of the court in protecting the family from the effects of negative changes that may affect its stability was also highlighted, and opening up the horizon of successful solutions to divorce problems and preserving the integrity of family ties.

The members of the Family Affairs Committee also discussed during the meeting ways to enhance cooperation between municipal councils, suburban councils and relevant authorities in strengthening family ties.

The committee discussed the need to raise awareness in society about the importance of building a stable family life, and called for intensifying efforts to provide awareness programmes for those about to get married on the correct foundations for building a happy family life. 

The meeting concluded with praise for the efforts made by the Sharjah Family Court, noting its significant role in reducing divorce cases before they occur, reducing family disputes, and working towards resolving them through reconciliation and understanding, which contributes to maintaining the stability of society.

The committee affirmed that it will continue to work with the relevant authorities to achieve more coordination and cooperation in order to strengthen family relations in the Emirate of Sharjah, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.

Saeed Matar bin Hamed Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Family Affairs Committee, stressed the importance of continuous coordination with the Family Court to achieve the goals of family stability in the Emirate of Sharjah, noting that the committee is working to enhance cooperation between various government entities in this field, which contributes to enhancing their roles in preventing family problems. 

For her part, Halima Al Owais, Deputy Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC), said: “We believe that the family is the foundation of building society, and therefore our visit today comes to follow up on the efforts made by the Family Court, which is an essential part of maintaining family stability in the Emirate.”

She added that the council is keen, through the committee, to enhance the role of the competent authorities in building a cohesive and stable society by activating the role of research and community awareness, and educating those about to get married about the foundations of a sound family life.