Dubai – In an effort to strengthen family growth, stability, and wellbeing in Dubai, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme.’
This landmark initiative aims to support Emirati families through a comprehensive array of financial, social, and educational support, fostering community values and promoting work-life balance. The programme reflects Sheikha Hind’s commitment to empowering families and ensuring their prosperity in line with the leadership’s vision.
A Vision for Stronger Families
Sheikha Hind emphasized that the programme embodies HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision to fortify family stability and the role of families as the cornerstone of a cohesive society. It aligns with national priorities to empower Emirati families, uphold their values, and prepare them for future challenges.
“Strong families are essential to create a better future. We are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of every Emirati family in Dubai, ensuring their lasting happiness and stability while empowering them to nurture future generations who can shape a brighter tomorrow,” Sheikha Hind remarked.
Comprehensive Support Package for Emirati Families
The ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’ offers a wide range of support packages aimed at enhancing family life:
Wedding Support
Housing Assistance
Flexible Work Policies
Social, Financial, and Housing Awareness and Education Programs
This initiative also aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, a strategic framework aiming to double the number of Emirati families in the emirate by 2033 while promoting family happiness, unity, and strong values.
Phase One Initiatives
The first phase of the programme introduces several key initiatives aimed at supporting Emirati families:
Flexible Work Benefits: In collaboration with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, employees in the government sector will be entitled to a 10-day paid marriage leave and the option of remote work on Fridays for mothers during the first year after maternity leave.
Reduced Housing Loan Premiums: For beneficiaries of the Dubai Weddings programme, monthly premiums will be reduced to a minimum of Dh3,333 for those with a monthly income not exceeding Dh30,000.
Dubai Weddings Programme (launched January 2024): This programme covers the costs of the main wedding ceremony, provides free wedding halls and neighbourhood Majlises, and offers financial support to both husband and wife. Additionally, it provides discounts through the Esaad card. By the end of 2024, the programme facilitated 344 weddings, representing 28.3% of all Emirati weddings in Dubai, and contributed to a 10.1% increase in Emirati weddings compared to 2023.
Housing Support: In partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment, the programme prioritizes the allocation of ready-made housing for beneficiaries of the Dubai Weddings programme.
Training and Financial Literacy Initiatives
The first phase also includes several educational initiatives designed to provide young people with the skills and knowledge to build successful and sustainable families:
‘Start it Right’ Marital Awareness Programme: This program helps equip young individuals with life planning skills and social-emotional tools for building happy families. To date, 1,013 individuals have benefited, with 208 receiving financial support.
Financial Literacy Course: This course focuses on helping soon-to-be-married couples with financial planning, emphasizing saving, budgeting, and debt management.
‘How to Build Your Home’ Programme: In collaboration with the New Economy Academy, this program offers essential knowledge for young people on building homes efficiently and economically.
Looking Ahead
The first-phase benefits will be available to new members of the Dubai Weddings programme from January 4, 2025. Those wishing to access housing benefits can apply within one year of benefiting from the Dubai Weddings programme.
Future phases of the programme will introduce additional packages and benefits in the areas of education, health, and other social services, further expanding its reach and support for Emirati families.
How to Register
All Emirati citizens in Dubai planning to marry, provided the prospective bride is also an Emirati citizen, can register for the Dubai Weddings programme via the ‘Emirati’ platform on the Dubai Now app. Alternatively, individuals can visit the Community Development Authority's website or contact the Authority at 800 2121 for further information.
The ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’ marks a pivotal step in empowering Emirati families, ensuring their long-term happiness, stability, and success.
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