UAE President Emphasizes Importance of Family Support Initiatives

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan underscored the government’s commitment to prioritizing family support and enabling its crucial role in society during an event honoring institutions awarded the Parent-friendly Label (PFL) by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA). Families, His Highness noted, are fundamental to education and form the cornerstone of a strong and stable society.

The PFL program, initiated by ECA, targets institutions across the UAE’s semi-government, private, and third sectors. Its objective is to encourage the adoption of policies and frameworks that support working parents, enabling them to provide optimal care for their children. The recognition ceremony took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi and was attended by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs, and Chairman of the ECA.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed expressed gratitude to participating institutions for their commitment to fostering a parent-supportive work culture. Recognizing the significance of balancing work and family life, His Highness highlighted its role in strengthening family bonds and promoting effective parenting, which ultimately contributes positively to the child, family, and society.

The UAE President emphasized the importance of state institutions creating a work environment supportive of parents, instilling this culture within them, and recognizing its impact on social, cultural, and educational aspects, as well as its positive effect on workplace efficiency.

Senior officials including Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority; Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; and Sana Mohamed Suhail, Director General of the ECA, were present at the recognition event. Institutions awarded the PFL label were also represented.

His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed praised the UAE leadership for supporting the PFL program, noting its positive impact on workplaces nationwide. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of flexibility, understanding family needs, supporting new parents, and enhancing overall employee and family well-being. Parent-friendly workplaces, His Highness noted, contribute to employee retention, boost employer attractiveness, and positively impact business outcomes.