Hamdan Bin Mohammed Highlights Success Of Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program For Emirati Families

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, highlighted the importance of family values and social cohesion in Dubai's development vision. He stressed that leadership prioritises providing resources to build a thriving Emirati society. The Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program, launched in September 2023 by the Community Development Authority (CDA), aims to empower families and enhance social stability through various initiatives.

The programme offers comprehensive support, including psychological and social assistance, financial literacy education, and help with housing expenses for new couples. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan praised the programme's success in reinforcing social stability by empowering families through integrated initiatives. This aligns with the broader vision for social empowerment programmes supporting Dubai Social Agenda 33 goals.

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H.H. Sheikh Hamdan stated, "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 emphasised the importance of providing essentials like housing, financial support, employment opportunities, and social care initiatives for young people starting families.

The Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program has significantly increased marriage rates among Emiratis. The Dubai Weddings initiative saw a 218 percent rise in participation during 2025 compared to 2024, with over 700 weddings held so far. These marriages accounted for 27.7 percent of all registered marriages in the emirate.

The programme targets men aged 26–30 and women aged 20–25 as its primary beneficiaries. It boasts a 95 percent satisfaction rate among participants. Couples benefit from education and training sessions aimed at ensuring long-term marital success. Courses like Start it Right promote awareness of marital rights, while Family Financial Culture – Dubai focuses on sound financial planning.

Additional benefits include full coverage of wedding costs when ceremonies are hosted in CDA-approved venues and priority access to ready-to-move-in housing with easy payment schemes. Participants also enjoy discounts on medical services, wedding essentials, jewellery, magazines, travel, and more through the Esaad loyalty card programme.

Leadership's Vision for Sustainable Development

Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the CDA in Dubai, noted that the programme reflects leadership's vision of placing family at the core of sustainable development. She stated that strengthening Emirati families is key to building a cohesive society: "The programme’s achievements are a source of pride."

Buhumaid added that true investment begins within Emirati households: "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." This aligns with Dubai Social Agenda 33 goals and reinforces Dubai as an ideal environment for starting families.

A Model for Family Empowerment

Buhumaid thanked H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum for her generous patronage of the initiative: "Dubai Weddings is more than just a scheme providing assistance – it is a gesture rooted in compassion and community spirit." She reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to enhancing the programme through strategic partnerships.

Praising participants' determination, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan said: "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."

With inputs from WAM