A gift that lasts forever: UAE residents on family

The International Day of Families is observed on the May 15th every year.

In a world full of uncertainties, turmoil, stress, there is this one set of people who are always ready to accept you, love you and support you unconditionally. Celebrating this very single important social unit of society, the International Day of Families is observed on the May 15th every year. And to highlight the importance of family bonding, the theme of this year's International Day of Families is 'families, healthy lives and sustainable future.
Khaleej Times partnered with the region's largest family fashion retailer Centrepoint and found out, through a survey conducted by the latter in the UAE, that most of the people of the country believe that quality time with family is the key to happiness.
Centrepoint's study shows that 68% of the region believes that spending time with family brings them the most happiness and is the greatest factor to their overall sense of wellbeing.
Farah Nada, 25, Egyptian, said: "Family means undying support. No matter what, I trust that they will be there for me and I'll be there for them. No matter how badly things have turned out at any point of my life, coming home knowing that these three people still love me." Farah studies in England but her family - her parents and a brother - reside in the UAE.
Banker Talha bin Asif said: "I think family is the most important thing in a person's life. The more we invest in our families, emotionally and financially, the stronger our bond will become. The least we can do to give our family is give them our time and it will leave us many special moments to treasure and keep."
Centrepoint stated as per studies close bonds to family and having a strong emotional support system have a significant positive impact on our health. Happiness generated from family ties have been shown to increase our immunity to infection, lower our risk of heart disease and reduce mental decline as we get older.
saman@khaleejtimes.com