Invite expats home for Iftar, Sheikha Fatima tells Emiratis

Minister Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui (right) explains the details of the Emirati Values Iftar initiative in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. - Supplied photo

The Mother of the Nation is calling on Emirati families to invite residents - from all walks of life - to their homes for Iftar gatherings throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
"Every Emirati family will be an ambassador to Emirati values, reaching out to resident families during the holy month of Ramadan," said Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
It was a message that embodied the 'Emirati Values Iftar' initiative, which was launched by the Federal Youth Foundation (FYF), under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima.
Through the month-long initiative, Emiratis will host expat families from all backgrounds in their homes for Iftar meals, introducing them to local customs and values and helping answer the questions they may have about the country's traditions. 
"The Emirati family is an incubator for tolerance. Our national values compel us to get to know others, be tolerant, and have an open mind. The late Sheikh Zayed welcomed everyone at his table, regardless of religion, race, or nationality," Sheikha Fatima said. 
To implement the project, the FYF set up an electronic platform that allows families - both local and foreign - to sign up for the initiative and submit a request. This allows any Emirati family to host an Iftar in their home for a resident family of any nationality and background. 
The youth foundation, which oversees the entire process, is collaborating with embassies in the UAE to encourage residents to register and take part in the initiative.
Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the FYF, said: "We are proud to have the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for the National Programme for the Values of Emirati Youth. Her Highness is a role model for young Emiratis, encouraging them to embrace traditional Emirati moral values, inspired by the example of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
"Tolerance and coexistence were perhaps the most notable among these values, serving as the principles that the UAE was founded on."
Saeed Al Nadheri, director-general of the FYF, said: "The 'Emirati Values Iftar' initiative is an ideal opportunity for every Emirati family to play a role in promoting our national values. The youth are our leading values ambassadors, walking in the footsteps of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan."
Register for Emirati
Values Iftar
>Go to www.youthvalues.ae
>Sign up for an account
>Fill out the forms for hosting or attending an Iftar
For Emiratis
Submit an online application to host an Iftar in your home. Indicate the possible dates and number of guests you can host.
For expats
Provide your personal information, including a copy of your Emirates ID and a brief description of yourself, in the application. Indicate whether you're attending an Iftar as an individual or as a family. After submitting the form, your details will be reviewed and you'll have to wait for a confirmation.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Ramadan 2021

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