10 August 2026 23:41 |
Last updated:
10 August 23:46 2026
أسرة علي الحوسني
Summary
Emirati families cultivate strong bonds and familial values, instilling a love for the nation despite technological challenges, asserting their support and responsibility towards one another.
Report by: Mariam Al Marzouqi and Maitha Al Murreikhi
Every Emirati family has its unique story, full of laughter from children and grandchildren, and a commitment from parents to maintain unity through love, support, and traditions passed down through generations. Despite the fast-paced modern life driven by technology, large families still uphold their values of communication, cohesion, and nurturing kindness and love for their nation among their children and grandchildren.
While many families opt for fewer children, some continue to embrace a different model, housing numerous members across generations, sharing stories of patience, familial unity, and shared responsibilities among siblings.
Meeting with the Leader
On 1 July, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, met with a group of Emirati citizens from large families with ten or more children. During this gathering, he praised their significant role in fostering interconnected families that preserve their national and ethical values, highlighting his commitment and concern for family matters.
In an interview with “Al-Gulf,” several of these large Emirati families shared their unique experiences of facing challenges, managing daily life, and maintaining strong ties despite their size. Additionally, many grandparents recounted the differences between past and present upbringing, stressing the importance of instilling values, ethics, and love for the homeland in their children and grandchildren, alongside the necessity of family gatherings and visits.
Love for the Nation
Ahamed Saeed Al-Badi, a father of five sons and five daughters, and grandfather to six grandchildren, expressed that the large family is a source of strength. He finds immense joy in the gatherings of his children and grandchildren, stating, “When I see them together, I feel this is one of the greatest blessings from God.” He emphasises instilling values such as prayer, respect for others, cooperation, compassion, and community service. “Maintaining familial ties keeps us close together,” he added.
He explained the differences in upbringing between his generation and today. In the past, life was simpler, and children had more time to learn directly from their parents, whereas today’s parenting requires more vigilance due to technology. “Parents must ensure that devices do not replace their presence, encouraging their children toward beneficial activities,” he advised.
أسرة أحمد سعيد البادي
Family as the Foundation of Happiness
Saeed Ali Al-Yahyai, a father of seventeen and grandfather to twelve, said, “A large family is not about the number of its members, but about the hearts that gather in love and loyalty.” He emphasises the value of piety as the cornerstone of morality, leading to honesty, integrity, respect, compassion, and responsibility. “The family is the essence of happiness and the strength of society,” he noted. He also pointed out some of the challenges large families face, such as allocating time for and paying attention to all children while maintaining fairness among them. He observed that past parenting relied more on discipline and respect for elders, whereas modern upbringing is increasingly dialogue-based, reflecting the challenges posed by technology and social media.
Joy and Blessing
Mohammad Saleh Al-Kurbai, a father of twenty-one and grandfather to two, expressed, “When I see my daughters and grandchildren gathered around me, it is the greatest feeling.” He described these moments as invaluable and a beautiful harvest of his life. He stresses the importance of teaching his children respect, maintaining family ties, love for the nation, and responsibility. “A good education and attention from parents instil a sense of security in children. The biggest challenge in large families is giving each child their due attention, especially considering varying ages and circumstances,” he added.
Guidance and Directions
Ali Ahmed Al-Hosni, who has eleven children and thirty-eight grandchildren, pointed out that education is not solely based on material provisions but also on parental guidance and mentorship. “Discipline is essential, yet good advice should always be couched in kind words,” he advised. He recalled a time when families lived together more closely. “My children often check on me, which fills my heart with warmth,” he noted, adding that he imbues his children with a love of the homeland and a commitment to serving others from a young age.
أسرة طحنون العامري
Family Gatherings
Thunain Al-Amri, who has twelve siblings and thirty-seven grandchildren, noted that having a large family enhances the joy of gatherings. “The most beautiful part is the support system and knowing that you are never alone. The moments spent together bring immense joy, and we celebrate the closeness that childhood creates,” he said. Emphasising values like respect for elders and support among siblings, he expressed that family ties are crucial for nurturing positive behaviours.
Sheikha Al-Hajiri from a family with twelve children and twenty-seven grandchildren added that large families offer security and attention. “The presence of grandparents, uncles, and aunts enriches our lives and strengthens our bonds, filling our homes with blessings and joy,” she affirmed, declaring that raising a large family is not daunting, particularly with the support of wise leadership and societal resources available to families.
When family members gather, it is a euphoric experience for her, as they are blessings from God, demonstrating that a lifetime of effort has yielded sweet fruits.
Enduring Responsibilities
Fatima Saeed Al-Shaile, who has fifteen children (eight sons and seven daughters), recounted how her family dynamics changed dramatically when her husband passed away in 1992, leaving her with a considerable responsibility. She shared, “My eldest son Khaled had just married the month before my husband’s passing and found himself suddenly responsible for his younger siblings while managing his own family.” During those challenging times, it was her older children who stepped forward to support her and take care of their younger siblings.
Love for Children
Retired Najy Abdullah Al-Mansouri described his family structure, which includes four wives and twenty-nine children. He explained, “There was no prior planning for such a large family; it unfolded over the years.” His approach to parenting involved gradual marriages and sharing responsibilities universally among his wives. Each wife managed her children, yet cooperation was key during times of need.
Strengthening Family Bonds
Hajar Nasser Al-Suida shared her experience following her father’s passing, leaving behind a family of twenty-nine children from three wives. She highlighted, “Despite his absence, our love and unity have held us tight.” She proudly noted how her father’s marriages produced varied family sizes, leading to a grand total of thirty-five grandchildren. “The beauty of a large family lies in the strength and support we feel in every situation,” she added.
أسرة ناجي المنصوري