MBR Library hosts workshop on marriage

As part of the Month of Reading and the Year of Family, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library organised an interactive workshop exploring the topic of marriage.

The session focused on clarity and conscious decision-making, understanding emotional and social realities, and managing challenges while nurturing a healthy relationship.

The workshop was delivered by Dr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi as part of the Al Khor Ramadan Nights programme.

The workshop opened with three reflective questions designed to encourage participants to think deeply about their perceptions of marriage.

Dr. Al Nuaimi began by drawing a comparison between the careful planning people often dedicate to their professional careers or business ventures and the limited preparation many make when approaching marriage.

He emphasised that many individuals enter this life-changing commitment without sufficient awareness or meaningful preparation.

The session explored several key themes, including viewing marriage as a lifelong project and understanding that readiness for marriage extends beyond age or financial stability. Dr. Al Nuaimi highlighted the importance of psychological and emotional maturity, as well as compatibility between partners, as essential factors for building a successful relationship.

The discussion also addressed the root causes of marital conflicts. Drawing on the research of renowned psychologist John Gottman, Dr. Al Nuaimi introduced the concept known as “The Four Horsemen”—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—behaviours that can significantly damage relationships.

He explained that successful marriages are not defined by the absence of disagreements, but by the ability of partners to manage conflicts constructively and grow stronger through them.

The workshop concluded with an interactive activity that encouraged participants to reflect on their motivations for marriage, what they can offer a future partner, and the personal changes they may need to make before taking this important step.

This session formed part of the rich cultural and family-focused programme presented throughout the week during Al Khor Ramadan Nights. The programme features a Ramadan market, children’s workshops, poetry and artistic evenings, as well as sessions dedicated to family values and life balance.

Through these initiatives, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library continues to support its vision of reinforcing family values as a fundamental pillar in building a cohesive and resilient society, particularly during the Holy Month of Ramadan.