Under the spiritual inspiration of Al Isra wal Miraj, Al Ain hosted the second season of the Wal-Najm Forum, organized by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf). Themed “Mawaqiʿ Al-Nujum: Values and Sciences,” the event served as a platform to reinforce the Emirati family’s crucial role in preserving national identity while cultivating generations that harmonize faith with contemporary knowledge.
Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of Awqaf, articulated that under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s leadership, the UAE has crafted a distinctive national paradigm that merges robust values with scientific openness. He characterized the nation as “a beacon of safety and an enduring human value,” emphasizing dignity-centered development. Al Darei elaborated on the forum’s celestial symbolism, noting that in Islamic tradition, stars represent profound guidance and elevated principles rather than mere astronomical phenomena—drawing a parallel to the UAE’s role as a guiding star that extends genuine goodness to humanity.
The forum featured an insightful panel discussion examining the family unit as the primary guardian of cultural values, while stressing the necessity of synergistic collaboration between families and educational institutions to prepare students for future challenges without compromising core principles.
Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President, highlighted the nation’s unique development approach where technological advancement consistently aligns with cultural authenticity. He noted that UAE leaders have been recognized “for their ethics before their achievements and for their values before their policies.”
Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education, addressed the integration of future-oriented subjects like artificial intelligence and programming into curricula, clarifying that technology serves as a tool whose value derives from its application. She emphasized that preserving national identity requires “a strong and effective partnership between schools and families.”
The event concluded with ceremonies honoring winners of the Hafeet Religious Talents Competition, which attracted 705 participants from 450 institutions, including 26 determined individuals with special needs, and engaged over 11,000 voters during public voting phases. The forum was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with numerous ministers, officials, and intellectual leaders.