Sharjah24: The Sharjah Consultative Council, during its third session of the third ordinary term of its eleventh legislative cycle, hosted a delegation from the Sharjah Family Development Foundation. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Council, members of the Council, and Her Excellency Meera Khalifa Al Mukarrab, Secretary-General, along with staff from the General Secretariat.
The session reflected the Council’s commitment to strengthening institutional partnership with government entities and following research initiatives that support sustainable family and social policies, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the guidance of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, in empowering families and enhancing quality of life.
Findings of the family consumption survey
During the session, the Sharjah Family Development Foundation presented detailed findings from a survey titled Family Consumption Patterns in Sharjah Society, conducted to measure the social and economic factors influencing household spending behaviour, with particular emphasis on the impact of advertising and social media on promoting or curbing imprudent consumption.
Sheikha Saif Al Suwaidi, Head of the Family Information Department, delivered a data-supported visual presentation outlining the scientific methodology used. The survey targeted residents aged 18 and above and included 360 participants from across Sharjah.
Al Suwaidi explained that the study examined how consumer behaviour is shaped by commercial and digital advertising, the motivations behind purchasing decisions, and the social values influencing family spending trends. It also explored the effects of unconscious consumption on financial and social stability, highlighting a strong link between economic factors and levels of consumer awareness.
Recommendations and council response
The study recommended strengthening public awareness around saving and responsible spending, launching targeted campaigns for youth and families on the risks of excessive consumption and persuasive advertising, and supporting educational and media programmes that promote responsible consumer behaviour.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi praised the Foundation’s efforts and the value of the study’s findings and recommendations. He affirmed that such research reflects Sharjah’s approach to using scientific inquiry to guide social policies and contributes to building a more aware and responsible community in managing financial and consumer resources. He added that the Consultative Council will take these results into consideration in future discussions and recommendations related to family and societal affairs.
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