In celebration of Qatar Family Day, observed annually on April 15th, the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), in collaboration with the Doha International Family Institute and the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara, organized two awareness seminars aimed at enhancing societal understanding of the family's role in building a cohesive and sustainable society.

These events underscore MSDF's commitment to strengthening family stability, reinforcing social values, and addressing contemporary educational and social challenges by presenting current issues relevant to Qatari families, particularly young individuals preparing for marriage and parents navigating the digital age.

The first seminar, titled "By Way of Instruction: Parental Education and Safety from Electronic Risks," was held at the Wifaq Family Consulting Center. It was moderated by Dr. Khalid Al-Naama, with the participation of His Excellency Mr. Khalid Abbas Kamal Al-Emadi, a member of the Shura Council; Dr. Sharifa Al-Emadi, Director of the Doha International Family Institute; and Dr. Khalid Abduljabbar, an educational consultant from the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF).

His Excellency Mr. Khalid Abbas Kamal Al-Emadi stated that raising children is a cornerstone in building a cohesive and stable society, with the primary responsibility falling on the family. He emphasized the pivotal role of parents in instilling values and promoting the psychological and social stability of their children. He also noted the various entities contributing to family cohesion, while affirming that the family remains the most crucial pillar. Furthermore, he highlighted that the celebration of Qatar Family Day embodies the state's commitment to strengthening the concepts of family cohesion, recognizing its profound impact on building the nation's future and ensuring its stability across generations.

Dr. Sharifa Al-Emadi, Director of the Doha International Family Institute, addressed the growing challenges facing families in light of rapid digital openness. She highlighted the effects of excessive smart device use on children's mental and social well-being, as well as the ethical and behavioral risks associated with electronic games and open digital content. She emphasized the role of parents in conscious monitoring without being authoritarian or isolating, the necessity of guiding children towards beneficial content, and promoting positive digital skills. The seminar also discussed alternative models for entertainment and learning that reduce reliance on screens, alongside digital protection mechanisms for the family, such as parental control tools and setting usage times.

Dr. Khalid Al-Abduljabbar, an educational consultant in the Social Protection Department at MSDF, affirmed the family's crucial role in creating a safe and balanced digital environment for children, especially given the contemporary challenges posed by the technology revolution.

These events reflect the State of Qatar's deep interest in the family as the fundamental unit of society. The state, through its specialized institutions, works to enhance the family's status and empower it to play its pivotal role in comprehensive development. MSDF is committed to providing awareness, cultural, and community programs that keep pace with modern developments and meet the needs of various family groups.

The second discussion seminar, titled "And He Placed Between You Love and Mercy," was held in the outdoor theater at the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara. It was presented by Mr. Yasser Al-Hazimi, a certified self-development trainer and family relations expert.

The session targeted young individuals preparing for marriage, newlyweds, and parents, focusing on ways to build successful marital relationships based on understanding and emotional and behavioral integration.

During the lecture, Al-Hazimi addressed several key themes, most notably the importance of pre-marital family education, psychological and cognitive readiness for forming a family, the challenges facing new couples and how to deal with them constructively, as well as the role of parents in supporting the marital relationship without negative interference. He also discussed generational differences in understanding the concept of marriage and their impact on family stability, emphasizing the importance of building relationships based on dialogue, respect, and understanding. The lecture concluded with practical advice for young people to ensure a stable and long-lasting marital life.