In a decisive move to fortify the social fabric of the nation, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2026 the Year of the Family, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to the growth and stability of Emirati households. The announcement, made during the 2025 Annual Government Meetings in Abu Dhabi, signals a comprehensive, cross-sectoral effort to elevate the family as the cornerstone of national identity, continuity, and prosperity.
A national agenda for family growth
The declaration accompanies the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, a strategic initiative designed to address the evolving needs of Emirati families. The agenda is structured around three principal pathways:
- Policies and Programmes: A review of existing governmental policies and programmes is underway to assess their impact on family growth, identifying areas for enhancement and alignment with long-term objectives.
- Behavioural Interventions: Emirati families nationwide are being engaged through interviews and studies to understand the social and behavioural drivers influencing family expansion and cohesion.
- Reproductive Health: Current reproductive health initiatives are under review to pinpoint challenges and develop solutions that support sustainable family growth.
To coordinate these efforts, a national task force has been established, bringing together over twenty federal and local government bodies responsible for family-related matters.
Family as the pillar of society
During the session, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed emphasised that the wellbeing and growth of Emirati families are integral to the nation’s identity and security. He reiterated that strong, stable families underpin long-term prosperity, describing family growth as a national priority. Drawing on the vision of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, he highlighted that the family has always been regarded as the foundation of a resilient society.The establishment of the Ministry of Family, he noted, reflects recognition of the family’s central role in promoting values, national identity, and responsible upbringing rooted in Emirati traditions. The Ministry is tasked with formulating strategies that support family growth and ensure the transmission of core societal values to future generations.
Shared responsibility across sectors
H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stressed that family growth is a collective responsibility, extending beyond the Ministry of Family. He called for active cooperation across government, private sectors, and civil society to support initiatives that strengthen families.The President also underscored the role of multiple sectors – including healthcare, education, housing, economy, and media – in advancing the family agenda. A unified national narrative, he noted, is essential for raising public awareness of the family’s significance and reinforcing its cultural and societal importance. In line with the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, 2026 has been designated the Year of the Family. The initiative aims to highlight the central role of Emirati families in national identity, stability, and prosperity. It will focus on raising awareness among citizens and residents about the importance of strong, cohesive family ties, promoting values of unity, empathy, and cooperation, and ensuring these principles are passed on to future generations. The campaign will engage all sectors, including healthcare, education, housing, the economy, and media, to foster a unified national effort. Drawing on the UAE’s ‘Year Of’ initiative, which began in 2015, it will employ local storytelling and collective action to reinforce the family as a cornerstone of society and a pillar of long-term social and economic growth.
National leaders and officials attend
The session drew senior leaders from across the UAE, including:
- H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
- H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah
- H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman
- H.H. Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President
Also present were H.H. Sheikha Maryam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairperson of the Education and Human and Community Development Council; H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family; alongside senior officials, Sheikhs, and specialists in family development affairs.Concluding the session, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirmed that through shared responsibility, collaboration, and a unified sense of purpose, the UAE can ensure the growth and resilience of its families, securing a prosperous future grounded in national identity and cultural values.
