Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has reviewed the progress of the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, a wide-ranging initiative designed to empower Emirati families through financial, social, and educational support. Launched in phases beginning in 2023, the programme is now showing measurable outcomes, including a surge in marriage rates and high satisfaction among beneficiaries.
A vision for family-centred development
During the programme review, Sheikh Hamdan reiterated the leadership’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the family as the cornerstone of a stable and prosperous society. As Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council and Crown Prince of Dubai, he emphasised that human development lies at the centre of Dubai’s broader vision for growth.“The programme 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,” he stated.He noted that the government is determined to provide essential resources,ranging from housing and financial support to social care initiatives, to help young people begin their married lives with dignity and stability, emphasising that investing in families is, ultimately, an investment in the nation’s future. Backed by the Dubai Social Agenda 33, the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme is part of a long-term strategy to double the number of Emirati families in the emirate by 2033. The agenda also prioritises happiness, community cohesion, and value-based social development.
Programme structure and phased rollout
The Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme was initiated by the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai in September 2023, marking the start of operational planning and soft implementation. A more visible, public rollout, referred to as Phase One, took place in January 2024 under the leadership and patronage of H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The full suite of benefits, including financial, housing, and training support, became accessible to new beneficiaries starting January 4, 2025, marking the activation of the programme’s comprehensive first phase. The programme features a comprehensive support ecosystem for newlyweds, including:
- Dubai Weddings Programme (launched in January 2024): Full coverage of wedding expenses for ceremonies held at CDA-approved venues and offers financial support to both husband and wife and provides discounts through the Esaad card.
- Housing assistance: Ready-to-move-in housing options through the
Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment , with prioritised allocation for eligible couples. - Flexible work policies:
- A 10-day paid marriage leave for government employees.
- Remote work on Fridays during the first year post-maternity leave for new mothers.
- Educational courses and awareness programmes:
- Start it Right: Focuses on marital responsibilities and emotional intelligence.
- Family Financial Culture – Dubai: Provides essential financial planning skills.
- How to Build Your Home: Offers practical housing knowledge in partnership with the New Economy Academy.
These benefits are available to Emirati citizens in Dubai, provided both partners are UAE nationals. Registration can be completed through the ‘Emirati’ platform on the Dubai Now app, via the Community Development Authority’s website, or by calling 800 2121. These benefits apply to new members of the Dubai Weddings programme from January 4, 2025. Eligible couples wishing to access housing support must apply within one year of receiving benefits through the programme.Highlighting the programme’s holistic design, Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority, noted that it is built to serve families comprehensively from the earliest stages of marriage through to long-term stability. “From awareness to empowerment, and from financial to housing support, we are offering a complete ecosystem that supports families at every stage of their journey,” she said.
Tangible results and community impact
The results of the programme’s implementation have been significant. In 2025 alone, over 700 weddings were facilitated through the Dubai Weddings initiative, representing a 218% increase compared to the previous year. These accounted for 27.7% of all marriages registered in Dubai. The demographic profile of the beneficiaries reveals that the largest group included men aged 26–30 and women aged 20–25. Importantly, the initiative also recorded a 95% satisfaction rate among participants. Praising participants in the programme, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan said,Praising the participants of the programme, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed expressed appreciation for the young Emiratis involved, highlighting their proactive and thoughtful approach to starting family life. “We commend the determination of the youth who have chosen to begin their family lives based on a clear foundation of awareness and responsibility,” said Sheikh Hamdan, noting the example set by this new generation. Beyond wedding facilitation, the programme also provides a minimum monthly housing loan premium of AED 3,333 for beneficiaries earning up to AED 30,000, as well as access to the Esaad loyalty card, offering discounts on healthcare, jewellery, travel, and wedding essentials. An additional benefit includes a remote work provision for newlywed female employees after returning from maternity leave, reinforcing work-life balance in early stages of family life.
Guiding vision and future expansion
H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum has been closely involved in shaping the programme’s vision, inspired by the guidance of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. Her Highness has consistently underscored the role of the family in building a strong and cohesive society.“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,” she said.In her remarks, Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid also extended her gratitude to H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum for her generous patronage of the initiative, emphasising the deeper values it represents. “Dubai Weddings is more than just a scheme providing assistance – it is a gesture rooted in compassion and community spirit. Through this initiative, H.H. Sheikha Hind has touched the lives of countless youths, helping them start on the path of family with confidence and clarity,” she said.Future phases of the programme are set to expand into areas like education, health, and additional social services, with a long-term goal of ensuring that every Emirati family has access to the tools and support needed to thrive.
