The UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, witnessed the launch of the “Education in the Service of the Family: From Vision to Impact” conference, hosted by Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) from September 15 to 17, 2026. Organized in strategic partnership with the Education Interface platform, the high-level forum was held under the patronage of His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
Convened in alignment with the national declaration of 2026 as the “Year of the Family” in the UAE, the conference serves as a premier intellectual platform preceding the 12th edition of the Education Interface Exhibition at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. It aims to establish sustainable integration between the primary educational institution—the family—and modern schooling frameworks amid rapid digital transformation and the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence.<br/>
Nahyan bin Mubarak: Visionary Leadership Places Family and Education as Twin Pillars of National Progress
Delivering the conference’s keynote address, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, expressed his deep appreciation to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, affirming that the wise leadership prioritizes human capital development and family empowerment as foundational pillars of comprehensive national growth.<br/>
His Excellency highlighted the President’s directives to leverage the education system in aiding families with their moral and parental duties, raising generations proud of their national identity and noble human values, equipped with the critical resilience to reject harmful behaviors, and prepared for balanced global engagement. He also commended the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, noting that it reflects a continuous commitment to mobilizing institutional and community capabilities to empower UAE citizens.<br/>
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak emphasized that the family and the school are interdependent wings enabling society to reach higher levels of excellence. He observed that modern schools must serve as welcoming, transparent environments that communicate consistently with parents and leverage digital platforms to deepen this partnership, expressing his hope that the sessions would yield actionable frameworks supporting community stability and development.<br/>
Interactive Panels Address Early Childhood and Digital Identity
<br/>The conference featured in-depth scientific discussions led by academic experts and policymakers. The first session, titled “The Family: The First Educational Institution in Emirati Society,” was moderated by Dr. Asma Al Maamari, faculty member at MBZUH.<br/>
During the panel, Her Excellency Naema Al Sharhan, Member of the Federal National Council, examined foundational character-building during early childhood, while Moza Mubarak Al Qubaisi, Corporate Social Responsibility Advisor, addressed practical mechanisms for integrating families with scientific and educational entities. Dr. Maria Al Hatali, Director of Research Centers at the university, offered a scholarly perspective on the household as the primary incubator for instilling enduring cultural values and traditions.<br/>
The second session addressed “Educational Curricula in Reinforcing National Identity,” moderated by Dr. Sheikha Al Karbi, Acting Head of the Education Department at MBZUH. Dr. Wdeema bin Hamoodah Al Dhaheri, faculty member at the university, outlined strategies for developing curricula aligned with societal aspirations, while Dr. Majda Al Blooshi, Head of Digital Education Implementation at Alef Education, shared models for deploying value-driven digital learning tools. Dr. Saif Al Neyadi, Assistant Professor at Al Ain University, analyzed the current landscape of the UAE educational system and future aspirations to meet national developmental needs.
Launch of the “Family Book”: An Intellectual Reference Documenting the Education Ecosystem
Culminating this strategic alliance, the conference featured the official release of the “Family Book,” an intellectual and documentary volume co-produced by Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities and the Education Interface platform. The publication compiles applied field studies and empirical research examining digital parenting, citizenship education, and best practices to ensure domestic stability.<br/>
The Abu Dhabi Media Office concluded its report by affirming that the outcomes of the “Education in the Service of the Family” conference offer an integrated roadmap for educational and social policymakers. They establish a solid scientific foundation that empowers households and connects them with the promising academic and career pathways showcased at the annual ADNEC exhibition.
Related Coverage & Resources:
Learn more about the Education Interface Exhibition here
Discover the sponsors and strategic partners of Education Interface here
