Many worry about how they’re seen, not what they’re: Writer

The Sharjah Press Club (SPC) continued its series of insightful discussions on Thursday, with a session on “Human Behaviour: Values and Beliefs,” featuring writer and social media content creator Dr. Khalid Ghattas.

Held in Aljada, as part of the 14th edition of the Ramadan Majlis, the session, moderated by TV host Reem Saif, examined how upbringing, societal influences, and digital culture shape individual and collective behaviour.

One of the central themes of the discussion was the growing influence of social media and the virtual world.

Dr. Ghattas elaborated how surrounding environments influence individual behaviour and the significance of raising awareness to promote positive values within society.

He emphasised how today’s society often prioritises perception over authenticity.

Dr. Ghattas pointed out that many people today are more concerned with how they are seen rather than who they truly are, which can lead to a disconnect between reality and the curated online image.

Building connections

Another key theme was the rise of individualism, with more people relying solely on their own judgement instead of seeking wisdom from their communities.

While independence is important, Dr. Ghattas stressed that human nature thrives on connections, and excessive detachment can contribute to social isolation and identity struggles.

He urged a return to religious values to help regulate human behaviour.

The conversation then shifted to parenting in a world dominated by technology, where children are immersed in digital content from an early age.

The speaker highlighted the need of balancing traditional parenting with the influence of modern technology. The discussion underscored how managing emotions plays a major role in developing patience, finding contentment, and maintaining overall mental well-being.

The session saw active participation from the audience, who discussed ways to maintain ethical values in light of technological advancements and the vital role of family guidance in shaping a generation that can distinguish between online portrayals and real-life values.

Entrepreneurial success: The story of Mara

Alongside the main session, the Ramadan Majlis featured a special side session featuring Adnan Safar, founder of the UAE-based brand ‘Mara’.

Safar shared how he grew his business from a small food kiosk to a well-established brand with multiple locations across the UAE. Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship, he encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace change, take risks, and remain flexible and open to new ideas in an evolving market.

Final session on Monday

Sponsored by Mohamed Hilal Group, the event also offered interactive activities and competitions for attendees.

The Ramadan Majlis will wrap up on Monday with the session “Family and Raising Future Generations,” headlined by eminent Islamic scholar Mostafa Hosny and moderated by media professional Abdulraouf Amira.

The first main session of the 14th edition Ramadan Majlis titled “Healthy Interactions and Relationships,” featured Dr. Ahmed Amara, a mental health consultant.

The session, moderated by journalist Ahmed Al Yamahi, explored various aspects, principles, and standards of successful interactions that help build and strengthen human relationships based on kindness, empathy and understanding. The discussion emphasised the key and essential values that enhance a person’s effective communication with others, in addition to self-management techniques for better personal and emotional wellbeing.

Dr. Amara asserted, “A key rule in relationships is recognising both strengths and weaknesses. Successful relationships should serve as a mirror, allowing individuals to understand themselves more clearly, enhance their strengths, and work on improving their weaknesses.”

The session dealt in detail with the concepts of social and emotional intelligence and how to develop and apply them in daily life.

The side session of the annual Ramadan Majlis, titled “Between German and Japanese... How to Choose Your Car?”, featured speakers from the ArabGT platform. The discussion highlighted the key factors to consider when comparing different types of cars, helping individuals choose a vehicle that suits their needs and financial budget.

The session also provided insights into the key mechanical and technical features of major car brands, along with expert tips on extending a vehicle’s lifespan. Moreover, the expert panel discussed the impact of modern technologies on the automotive industry and evaluated the pros and cons of recently introduced car brands in the market.