Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founding Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, hosted the eleventh session of the Open Talk series, titled “Family”, at the Group’s headquarters, welcoming a diverse audience of young men and women alongside a panel of respected specialists.

The discussion brought together HE Sheikha Ahmed Al Jarman, Executive Director of the Social Development Sector at the Dubai Community Development Authority, whose work focuses on strengthening families and empowering youth; Ibrahim Al Tamimi, a lawyer and legal consultant specialising in family and personal status law; and Dr Saif Rashid Al Jabri, a social thinker and mentor known for his thoughtful perspective on the religious and moral foundations of family life.

With honesty and openness, the session created space for meaningful conversation around family matters, giving young people the opportunity to voice their views, questions, and concerns. The dialogue explored why some Emirati and Gulf youth are choosing to delay or avoid marriage, the social, economic, and emotional pressures they face, and the factors that play a role in building stable, lasting families.

The session is part of the ongoing Open Talk series, which aims to tackle sensitive social issues through open dialogue, bridge generational gaps, and encourage practical ideas that support stronger families and a more connected society.