Abu Dhabi Reviews Initiatives Under Emirati Family Growth Programme

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi recently convened a strategic meeting with key stakeholders to assess the progress and implementation of the Emirati Family Growth Programme. This session highlighted collaborative efforts aimed at fostering family development and stability.

The Emirati Family Growth Programme, integral to the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy, was thoroughly reviewed under the leadership of Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the DCD. Dr. Al Khaili emphasised the programme’s alignment with the visionary goals set by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Dr. Al Khaili praised the programme for enriching government initiatives that focus on human welfare and supporting Emirati families in their growth and stability journeys. The programme also complements the 'Medeem' initiative, which aids nationals in beginning their married lives on a positive note.

Key figures such as Eng. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the DCD; Abdulla Al Ameri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority; Sana Mohamed Suhail, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority; and Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, participated in the meeting. These leaders, along with other partners, are pivotal in enhancing family services through a partner-driven approach.

Eng. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri stressed the critical need for ongoing coordination among entities involved to ensure service delivery is both efficient and impactful. "This programme marks a significant advance in our collective efforts to harmonise and elevate the quality of life across the community," he noted.

Operational Frameworks and Service Delivery

The readiness of entities to roll out initiatives was confirmed during the meeting, with an overview of the application process set to commence soon. The session also covered operational frameworks and service delivery mechanisms to guarantee effective programme execution aligned with Abu Dhabi’s governmental directives.

The meeting reviewed mechanisms for aligning Emirati Family Growth initiatives with Medeem programmes. This alignment aims to equip young people with necessary skills and resources for married life, contributing to cohesive families and sustainable development in Abu Dhabi.

Programme Details and Future Plans

The DCD oversees the Emirati Family Growth Programme in collaboration with several authorities including the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, and Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority. The programme spans five years and includes key initiatives like Facilitated Marriage Loan, Maternity Leave Support, Home Visit Service, Rental Assistance, and extensions of Housing Loan Repayment Periods aimed at enriching family life in Abu Dhabi.

Details of each initiative, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, will be released soon. Application windows are expected to open in September.

This strategic meeting underscored collaborative efforts towards fostering family development and stability within Abu Dhabi's community framework.

With inputs from WAM