What does family mean to UAE residents?

"If a family does not stick together then the fabric of this fundamental relationship is gone."

If you look for the meaning of 'family' in the dictionary, you will get its technical description as "a group consisting of two parents and their children living together as a unit".

But we all know that a family is more than that. Ask the parents or even the children and they will use various terms to define family as "love, inspiration, strength, security, happiness, sacrifice, stability, support, care, commitment, bond, compassion, communication, closeness, social fabric", and so on. Words are immeasurable but the feelings are palpable.

As we observe today International Day of Families as proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, we've talked to several families and asked them to share their own thoughts on 'what makes a family?'

With over 100 years living, growing and developing with the UAE, the Al Fahim family, who are also a business empire - which was started by Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, share their own words of wisdom with Khaleej Times, about what family truly means to them.

Khalifa Al Fahim, who is the grandson of Abdul Jalil, and son of Ahmed Al Fahim, (chairman of the family business), said that family is the strength against all weaknesses in life.

"Family should always stand with family, even in times of hardship, even if one makes mistakes, family should stand together and support each other."

"If a family does not stick together then the fabric of this fundamental relationship is gone."

I remember Shaikh Zayed was telling me about the importance of family on the same day these photos were taken."

The 29-year-old is the eldest of six children, and lives in the Al Fahim gated community in Abu Dhabi. The private community looks very much like a unique city of its own. It includes houses, gyms, a mosque, three majlises and movie theatres.

"Our families live in a private community and it makes us feel closer. We are all only a few simple steps away from each other."

He also pointed out that UAE, as a nation, is also a family unit of its own - as it seamlessly connects all citizens and expats together.

"UAE binds us all together, no matter what our background is, we are all one family."

"Family is the most crucial institution in any country. The natural love and care that families had during tribal times - remains today. History will always remain present," he added.

Mohammed Al Fahim, Khalifa's younger brother, highlighted that his family has certainly taken the largest spot in his heart.

"Family to me is everything. It's the bond that holds the community together," he noted.

Vox Pops

Essam Fawzi, Egyptian

"My three-member family is the air I breathe. It is true 'No wife, No life. All work pressures and worries are released when I hug and kiss my little girl after returning home from work."

Wafaa Saqr, Egyptian

Family means to feel secure, and to have a loving partner whom she can talk to, count on, and share views and ideas with. It also means to have respect for each other and responsibility, and care for each other.

Adnan Ukasha, Jordanian,

I travel four times a year to spend some time with myfamily. I would travel more if I have the chance. Meeting with family members at the end of a busy day is the only relief from life burdens."

Sulaiman Al Mahi, Sudanese

Unfortunately, families have become more disconnected.". "Lack of communication, love, and sometimes compassion are overwhelming these days among families who do not meet more often as before, and only contact each other online or on the phone."