The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has paid a great deal of attention to families since the beginning of the century. Three factors may explain the rationale behind public policies. First, the demographic transition has transformed the “nationals” into minorities in their own country. To stabilize the local population, families have been thought of a strong leverage to maintain a high birth rate. Second, families are, with the tribal heritage, the main pillar of the “tradition”. The social contract between the ruling families and their citizens is the cornerstone of social and political stability. Third, with the promotion of women at all stages of the Emirati society, their role has been discussed.