The festival featured Educational and Interactive Sessions and Workshops Highlighting the Importance of Family Support and Self-Esteem.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 11, 2024: As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the mental and emotional well-being of community members, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) hosted an event on December 7–8  at XPark by e&, Kite Beach, Dubai. Held under the theme “Let’s Document Our Memories with Family,” the Family Festival for Mental Well-Being celebrated innovative ideas and successful experiences aimed at promoting mental health.

The event featured engaging sessions and interactive workshops that focused on the importance of family support and self-esteem. Organised as part of DHA’s recently launched “Mental Wealth Strategy,” the festival is a key initiative aligned with Dubai Social Agenda 33. This comprehensive strategy supports Dubai’s vision of achieving the highest levels of mental well-being, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

Dr. Ramadan Al Balooshi, Advisor to the Director General of the Dubai Health Authority and Director of the Public Health Protection Department at the Authority, emphasised the significance of the event, now in its second edition. Designed as a family festival, it offered a weekend filled with recreational activities, interactive experiences, and educational workshops, all centered on family mental health.

Dr. Al Balooshi highlighted the panel discussions held during the festival, which brought together leading experts in mental health to share insights, experiences, and innovative ideas aligned with the campaign’s goals. These sessions provided families with valuable opportunities to benefit from expert advice and bring about positive changes in their lives.

Dr. Hend Al Awadhi, Public Health Consultant and Head of Health Promotion at the Dubai Health Authority, underscored the critical role of mental well-being in the strength and success of communities. She noted that mental wellness enhances productivity and fosters happiness within communities. The festival provided families a chance to come together, learn, and benefit from shared experiences to improve overall mental health and well-being.

Dr. Al Awadhi also emphasised DHA’s commitment to achieving the goals of the Mental Wealth Strategy, aligning with Dubai’s rapid advancements in prosperity, development, and quality of life. This strategy supports Dubai’s ambition to become the happiest city in the world.

The first day of the festival addressed topics such as the importance of family cooperation and support, the power of play in strengthening parent-child relationships, celebrating individuality, and building self-confidence within the family. The second day focused on fostering resilience within families, overcoming challenges, promoting teamwork, effective communication for shared success, understanding intense emotions, and expressing them appropriately.

The festival provided a dynamic space for families to connect, engage, and build a foundation for lasting mental and emotional well-being.