DAMMAM — Weaam Organization for marriage and family care will hold the 7th Marriage and Family Forum on April 5-6 in Dammam. The event is considered one of the biggest academic forums in the field of social affairs. There will be around 30 research papers discussing the future of the Saudi family and where it will be in ten years' time. The opening ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 5 with the Emir of Eastern Province Prince Saud Bin Naif Bin Abdulaziz and the Minister of Social Affairs Majed Al-Qasabi in attendance. Head of Weaam Organization Mohammad Abdulqader said the Saudi family is a sensitive topic in Saudi society. “We must address the rising number of crimes and incidents of misbehavior. They might be social issues but they directly shake the stability of a household,” said Abdulqader. He added the forum will discuss the effects of social media on the Saudi family, the effects of global changes on the Saudi family and spousal betrayal and infidelity. “The forum will also talk about the rise of spinsters in Saudi society and a field study of the structure of the Saudi family. Abdulqader added that many might disregard the importance of sociological study in maintaining the structure of the family. However, a stable family structure prevents crime and saves the country lives and money. “Most social issues are related to families. Therefore, we must invest more money and time into studying the sociology and psychology of families in general and of the Saudi family in particular,” said Abdulqader. Eastern Province Police chief Maj. Gen. Ghurmulah Al-Zahrani said financial support is not the only thing needed to help strengthen the Saudi family structure. “The social texture of Saudi society is changing rapidly. The only way we can ride the wave of change while maintaining our values is by working together. The security forces need to communicate with social and psychological experts in society,” said Al-Zahrani. He praised Weaam for its initiatives and added the family is the source of both the constructive and a destructive member of society.