Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum has launched the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Program’, which aims to provide support for Emirati families in Dubai through a variety of financial, social, and educational initiatives.
The program is designed to enhance the growth, stability, and wellbeing of families in Dubai, while also reinforcing community values, improving quality of life, and promoting a healthy work-life balance. This initiative embodies Her Highness’s commitment to empowering Emirati families and driving their development and stability.
Promoting a cohesive society
Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum remarked that the program aligns with HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to strengthen family stability and reinforce the family’s role as the cornerstone of a unified society. It is in line with national priorities that aim to empower Emirati families, uphold their values, and equip them to face 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,” Her Highness emphasized.
New vision for Emirati families
The ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Program’ presents a progressive vision for Emirati families by providing a comprehensive support package. This includes assistance for weddings, housing, flexible work policies, and educational programs focused on social, financial, and housing awareness.
The initiative is in alignment with the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which seeks to cultivate happy, connected, and value-oriented families while aiming to double the number of Emirati families in the emirate by 2033.
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Phase one initiatives
In its initial phase, the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Program’ features several key initiatives. In partnership with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, it offers flexible work benefits, such as a 10-day paid marriage leave for government employees in Dubai and a ‘remote work’ option on Fridays for mothers during the first year following maternity leave.
Additionally, the program reduces the monthly premium for housing loans to a minimum of AED3,333 for those benefiting from the Dubai Weddings program, provided their monthly income does not exceed AED30,000. This initiative is designed to alleviate financial burdens on young couples and assist them in addressing other family needs.
In January 2024, following the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, the Community Development Authority in Dubai launched the Dubai Weddings program. This initiative covers the costs associated with the main wedding ceremony and provides wedding halls and neighborhood Majlises free of charge. The Dubai Weddings program offers financial support to both spouses, thereby easing the financial strain of marriage. It also includes a wide array of discounts for beneficiaries, including those available through the Esaad card.
In its inaugural year, the Dubai Weddings program facilitated 344 weddings, representing 28.3 percent of all Emirati weddings in Dubai by the end of 2024. It also contributed to a 10.1 percent increase in Emirati weddings last year compared to 2023.
Housing support
The ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Program’ offers housing support in its first phase in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment, prioritizing the allocation of ready-made housing for loan beneficiaries under the Dubai Weddings program.
The program also includes various training initiatives for members of Dubai Weddings, such as the ‘Start it Right’ marital awareness program. This initiative equips young individuals with essential skills to effectively plan their lives, providing social and emotional tools necessary for building happy families and managing challenges constructively. It offers courses on the social and economic aspects of marriage, emphasizing understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect between partners. To date, 1,013 individuals have benefited from the ‘Start it Right’ program, with 208 receiving financial support.
Training programs
Among the training programs under the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Program’ is a financial literacy course tailored for members of the Dubai Weddings initiative. This course provides soon-to-be-married couples with the knowledge needed to plan financially, manage resources wisely, and secure long-term financial stability. It also highlights the importance of saving, budgeting, and avoiding debt to ensure family stability.
Another significant training program is ‘How to Build Your Home’, aimed at housing loan beneficiaries in collaboration with the New Economy Academy. This program equips young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to construct their homes in an economically efficient manner.
These benefits will apply to new members of the Dubai Weddings program starting January 4, 2025. Those wishing to access housing benefits can apply within one year of participating in the Dubai Weddings program.
Future phases of the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Program’ will broaden its scope by introducing additional packages and benefits in education, health, and various social services.
All Emirati citizens in Dubai who plan to marry can register for the Dubai Weddings program, provided that the prospective bride is an Emirati citizen. Registration is available through the ‘Emirati’ platform on the Dubai Now app. Alternatively, individuals can register or obtain further information by visiting the Community Development Authority’s website or contacting the Authority at 800 2121.
