His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, reviewed on Monday the remarkable success of the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Program.
“The program has made a tangible difference in the lives of Emirati families and youth, with a 95 percent satisfaction rate among beneficiaries,” said Sheikh Hamdan in a post on social media platform X.
Sheikh Hamdan also revealed that Dubai Weddings saw a 218 percent rise in demand this year compared to the same period in 2024. The initiative accounts for more than 27 percent of all marriages registered in Dubai.
“These outcomes reflect the visionary leadership and deep commitment of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum to enhancing community wellbeing. The Dubai Social Agenda 33 continues to build on this momentum, grounded in the belief that investing in families is the most powerful investment in the nation’s future,” he added.
Building a thriving Emirati society
Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that the leadership places the highest priority on strengthening family values and fostering social cohesion, while ensuring that all necessary resources and support are made available to build a thriving and prosperous Emirati society.
Reviewing the outcomes of the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program, Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that Dubai’s development vision has always placed people at its very heart.
Launched in September 2023 by the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai to empower Emirati families and reinforce social stability through a comprehensive set of initiatives, the program facilitates a host of benefits, including avenues for psychological and social support, financial literacy, and direct assistance in meeting housing and other expenses incurred by new couples.
His Highness applauded the success of the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program in reinforcing the foundations of social stability by supporting and empowering Emirati families through a series of integrated and high-impact initiatives. The program aligns with the expansive vision outlined for various social empowerment programs and their role in creating a lasting positive impact that supports the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
“The program reflects our deep commitment to empowering our youth and supporting them in building a future that matches their aspirations. A stable family denotes a fundamental pillar in the development and progress of societies. We are committed to providing every prerequisite for young people looking to start a dignified family life – including suitable housing, financial support, enhanced employment opportunities and expanded social care initiatives. We believe that investing in families is an investment in the nation’s future, and we will continue working to provide a wholesome environment that ensures well-being and stability for all,” said His Highness Sheikh Hamdan.
Praising participants in the program, His Highness added: “We commend the determination of the youth who have chosen to begin their family lives based on a clear foundation of awareness and responsibility – setting a proud example for a generation that knows how to shape its future through willpower, hard work and initiative.”
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Remarkable impact
The Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program has contributed to a significant increase in marriage rates among Emiratis. The Dubai Weddings initiative recorded a 218 percent increase in participation during 2025 compared to 2024, with the number of weddings held to date exceeding 700. Marriages facilitated through the Dubai Weddings initiative accounted for 27.7 percent of all marriages registered in the emirate.
The results also indicated that the largest demographic of beneficiaries consisted of men aged between 26–30 and women aged between 20–25. The program also recorded an impressive 95 percent beneficiary satisfaction rate.
The Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program offers extensive education and training sessions for couples as part of efforts to ensure the long-term success of marital relationships. Among notable highlights are Start it Right, a course promoting awareness of marital rights and effective approaches to foster mutual understanding; Family Financial Culture – Dubai, which focuses on sound financial planning; and How to Build Your Home, which offers guidance on smart and viable housing decisions.
The program’s benefits also extend beyond education, offering tangible solutions that meet real-life needs. It offers full coverage of wedding costs for both men and women when the ceremony is hosted in CDA-approved venues. It also facilitates priority access to ready-to-move-in housing through easy installment payment schemes.
Among other benefits are exclusive discounts on medical services, wedding essentials, jewellery, magazines and travel. Another advantage comes in the form of a loyalty card under the Esaad program that offers various community perks. There is also a remote work provision for newlywed female employees following maternity leave.
