The forum was attended by Professor Dr Najwa Al Hosani, Director of Kalba University, and Professor Dr Georgios Nassis, Deputy Director of the University of Kalba for Academic Affairs.

The event focused on the legal and social safeguards that support family stability, with Dr Aisha Al Qaidi from the College of Law moderating the scientific discussions and panel sessions.

An awareness exhibition accompanied the forum, with participation from several key partners, including the Sharjah Police General Command and the Sharjah Family Development Foundation. The Sharjah Consultative Council, the Department of Suburbs Affairs (represented by the Kalba Parents Council), Emirates Health Services and NAMA Women Advancement also took part.

During a tour of the exhibition, the university director and attendees reviewed the awareness platforms and initiatives presented by Sharjah Police and participating organisations to promote family security and cohesion.

Legal and social perspectives

The forum opened with the UAE national anthem, followed by a Quranic recitation by student Zayed Al Qaidi. Opening remarks were delivered by Professor Dr Georgios Nassis and Dr Saleh Al Shuraida, Acting Dean of the College of Law, who highlighted the university and the college’s commitment to academic and community initiatives that reinforce the importance of the family and support its stability.

The first session featured Sheikha Khalfan Al Dhaneen Al Naqbi, Member of the Sharjah Consultative Council, who discussed “From the Pulse of the Family to Decision-Making”, examining the legislative and community dimensions of the family’s role in decision-making.

The session also addressed preventive awareness of the harms of drugs, pre-marital screening and counselling, institutional initiatives supporting women and families, and the integration of roles within the family.

Lieutenant Colonel Salem Al Mazrouei of the Anti-Narcotics Directorate at Sharjah Police delivered a presentation on preventive awareness of the impact of drugs on individuals and society. Consultant Family Physician Dr Hafsa Al Taniji emphasised the importance of pre-marital screening and counselling, while Mona Al Mazrouei, Senior Local Programmes Executive at NAMA Women Advancement, reviewed institutional initiatives supporting women and families.

Khalid Ibrahim Hassan, Member of the Kalba Parents Council, concluded the community-focused presentations by addressing the integration of roles within the family.

Legislative and economic frameworks

The second session focused on the legislative, legal and economic frameworks related to the family, presented by members of the College of Law faculty.

Dr Mohammed Morsi discussed the family’s role in economic development, highlighting the family business model. Dr Mohammed Nour Al Din examined family stability as a priority within criminal policy.

Dr Aisha Al Qaidi addressed legal safeguards for child protection under the legislation, while Dr Farouk Al Shibli concluded the session by reviewing constitutional safeguards for family stability in the UAE.

At the conclusion of the “Year of Family Forum”, participants emphasised the academic and community role of the University of Kalba’s College of Law and praised the fruitful cooperation and integration among the Sharjah Police, the Family Development Department, the Sharjah Consultative Council and all participating entities in supporting the stability of Emirati families.