Sharjah – October 26, 2026 Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies is taking part as a scientific partner in the ICESCO Regional Family Forum, organised by the Regional Office of the Islamic…
Sharjah – October 26, 2026
Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies is taking part as a scientific partner in the ICESCO Regional Family Forum, organised by the Regional Office of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Sharjah. The forum is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council. Under the theme “Family Where Balance Shapes the Future” it takes place on October 28 and 29 at the ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah.
Dr. Fawaz Habbal, Director General of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, will moderate a panel discussion titled “Is Our Home well? Amidst ambition, caregiving, and psychological stress... What does the family require to maintain its cohesion?” The session will examine how far government and community support systems are keeping up with families’ changing needs amid growing responsibilities and the pressures of modern life.
Dr. Firas Habbal, President of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, will speak in a session titled “The Family at the Heart of Transformation, Is the support system keeping pace with the needs of the family today?” The session will discuss how to balance professional ambition with caregiving responsibilities, the impact of psychological pressure on family well-being, and ways to strengthen cohesion within the home.
The forum is a high level regional platform for anticipating the future of the family amid rapid digital, social, and cultural transformations. It coincides with the UAE’s “Year of the Family 2026.” Over two days, the forum will bring together a distinguished group of decision makers, experts, and academics from around the world, with more than 20 speakers. They include H.E. Salim Omar Salim, Regional Director of ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah; H.E. Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Family and Child Sector, Ministry of Family; and Dr. Mustafa Yusuf Ali, Executive Director of Arigatou, International in Nairobi, Kenya, and Secretary General of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC).
The forum’s programme includes panel discussions, presentations of scientific papers under the “From Research to Practice” track, and interactive workshops for families, addressing topics such as building values in the next generation and the influence of social media influencers and algorithms on parenting. The Center’s participation builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies and ICESCO to strengthen cooperation in scientific research, innovation, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. It also reflects the Center’s growing focus on family and social studies.
The forum is expected to produce a set of strategic recommendations and community initiatives, support scientific research on the family, and develop training and awareness programmes that meet the community’s aspirations, in line with the wise leadership’s vision of building a cohesive and sustainable society.
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