Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Launches Comprehensive Family Support Programme in Dubai
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’, aimed at enhancing the stability, growth, and well-being of Emirati families in Dubai.
The initiative seeks to strengthen family values, improve quality of life, and promote work-life balance by offering comprehensive financial, social, and educational support. It aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to position the family as the cornerstone of a cohesive society, in line with national priorities.
Programme Highlights and Objectives
The programme aims to foster happy, connected, and value-driven families, in alignment with Dubai Social Agenda 33, which targets doubling the number of Emirati families in the emirate by 2033. Key initiatives include:
- Flexible Work Benefits:
- 10-day paid marriage leave for government employees.
- Remote work option on Fridays for mothers in the first year after maternity leave.
- Housing Support:
- Reduced monthly housing loan premiums for Dubai Weddings programme beneficiaries, starting at AED3,333 for individuals earning less than AED30,000.
- Priority allocation of ready-made housing in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment.
- Dubai Weddings Programme:
- Covers costs of main wedding ceremonies, offering free wedding halls and Majlises, financial support for couples, and discounts through the Esaad card.
- In 2024, facilitated 344 weddings, representing 28.3% of all Emirati weddings in Dubai.
Training and Awareness Initiatives
The programme includes a range of training initiatives to support family stability:
- ‘Start it Right’ Programme:
- Provides marital awareness training to equip young couples with social and emotional skills.
- Over 1,013 individuals have benefited, addressing financial planning, mutual respect, and effective communication.
- Financial Literacy Course:
- Teaches couples budgeting, saving, and resource management for long-term financial stability.
- ‘How to Build Your Home’ Programme:
- Offers practical training for housing loan beneficiaries to build homes efficiently and cost-effectively.
Future Phases
The programme plans to expand further, introducing new benefits in education, health, and social services. All Emirati citizens planning to marry can register for the Dubai Weddings programme through the ‘Emirati’ platform on the Dubai Now app, or contact the Community Development Authority for more information.
H.H. Sheikha Hind emphasized the programme’s forward-looking vision, stating, “Strong families are essential to create a better future. We are committed to ensuring the happiness and stability of every Emirati family in Dubai, empowering them to nurture future generations who will shape a brighter tomorrow.”
The initiative reflects Her Highness’ commitment to fostering family cohesion and preparing Emirati families for future challenges, ensuring Dubai remains a global model for social and economic prosperity.
