Doha: The State of Qatar places great importance on building, protecting, and developing the Qatari family, while ensuring the wellbeing of all its members, as it represents the cornerstone of a cohesive and prosperous society. Marked annually on April 15, Qatar Family Day is a national occasion that reflects growing attention to family affairs across all stages of life.
According to Qatar News Agency, the day aims to highlight the importance of the family and strengthen its role in social and economic development. It also embodies the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, under which the State prioritizes reinforcing family cohesion and preserving cultural identity through comprehensive policies and programs that ensure a strong and secure family environment. Through the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), training and awareness programs are offered to promote family stability, such as the 'Promoting Values' initiative and projects supporting youth preparing for marriage.
Qatar has also established a range of entities and institutions dedicated to enhancing family stability and resilience, including the Wifaq Family Consulting Center and the Doha International Family Institute. As part of its commitment to supporting families, the State launched the Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work, the first national award of its kind, established under Amiri Decision No. (16) of 2025. The award serves as an institutional framework to recognize impactful and sustainable social initiatives across five main categories: individuals, families, non-profit organizations, the private sector, and media.
On April 5, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, graciously patronized the inaugural Rawda Award ceremony, held at Raffles Doha Hotel, where His Highness honored 11 winners for their innovative community initiatives.
The award operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, in strategic partnership with the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM). HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi chairs the award's Board of Trustees.
The award aims to promote, develop, and encourage a culture of social work in Qatar, reinforce societal values, and motivate the private sector and all segments of society to compete in delivering outstanding community contributions. It recognizes distinguished achievements that support the social development pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030.
In a step reflecting the national approach to strengthening the role of the family in building a cohesive society, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani inaugurated yesterday the Kanaf Parenting Center, a flagship project of MSDF. The center operates under the Qatar Foundation for Social Work and aligns with the goals of the Third National Development Strategy, contributing to enhanced family wellbeing and strengthening the country's social empowerment system.
The Kanaf Parenting Center's comprehensive programs sets it apart, covering various stages of upbringing: starting from pre-parenthood, through pregnancy and early childhood, and reaching adolescence.
The programs also highlight grandparents' pivotal role in strengthening family bonds and passing values across generations, based on an integrated scientific approach that draws on international best practices.
The Kanaf Parenting Center's establishment came as an extension of the "Family First" initiative within the MSDF's strategy, in addition to being one of the outcomes of the Third National Development Strategy, which aims to build a cohesive society capable of facing challenges while preserving its identity and values amid rapid changes.
The name "Kanaf" was chosen to reflect the meaning of care, inclusion, and closeness, embodying the center's mission to empower parents and provide them with the skills and tools needed for sound parenting through training programs and educational consultations.
As part of ongoing national efforts and initiatives to support and care for families, the MSDF launched the Family Charter in February of last year under the slogan "Family is The Treasure of a Nation" marking an important step toward strengthening family values and the role of the family in building a strong and sustainable society.
The charter was inaugurated through the signing of a large mural held in several locations, including Dadu Gardens, Al Hikma Courtyard in the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara, and Wifaq Family Consulting Center.
The Family Charter is a legal framework governing family relationships in Qatar, focusing on each family member's rights and duties and seeking to achieve balance and justice among them. It covers various aspects such as an individual's financial and economic rights, as well as their educational and healthcare rights. It also protects the rights of children and women, and promotes justice and respect within the family unit.
The Charter is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region, placing the State of Qatar at the forefront of countries launching such initiatives, thus, enhancing Qatar's regional and international standing.
Various Qatari entities and institutions are participating in celebrating this occasion as part of joint national efforts to raise awareness about the importance of family cohesion and interconnectedness, and to highlight the central role of the family in building a progressive and prosperous society.