Abu Dhabi Initiates Emirati Family Growth Programme To Foster Societal Cohesion

The Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi (DCD) has launched a programme to bolster the growth of Emirati families. Approved by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, led by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, this initiative aims to support UAE Nationals in marriage and family building.

Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of DCD, stated: "Our wise leadership is dedicated to providing decent standards of living for all individuals, Emirati families in particular, and spares no effort to enhance the quality of life for citizens and residents. This reflects our leadership’s belief in the importance of human beings as the country’s true wealth and the foundation for comprehensive and sustainable development."

The programme includes six initiatives designed to encourage marriage, child-rearing, and family stability among UAE Nationals. These initiatives align with Abu Dhabi’s strategy to enhance family quality of life through 2028. The focus is on recognising families as key drivers of national development and prosperity.

One significant initiative is the Marriage Loan Initiative, implemented by the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority. This initiative promotes simple marriages by offering interest-free financial advances to citizen employees in both public and private sectors who are about to marry.

Another vital component is the Maternity Leave Support for Women Working in Private Sector initiative. This extends maternity leave for citizen mothers working in private sectors to 90 days, ensuring ample time for rest and newborn care.

The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority plays a crucial role in implementing several initiatives under this programme. The Rental Assistance for Newlyweds provides temporary housing support for newly married couples with specified financial aid lasting four years. The support decreases gradually with specific incentives linked to childbirth.

Additionally, there is an initiative to extend housing loan repayment periods by three years for families with a fourth, fifth, or sixth child. Another initiative exempts a percentage of the housing loan amount based on similar criteria.

Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, mentioned: "Through the rental assistance initiative, we seek to provide financial support to married citizens in a way that contributes to enhancing their stability at the beginning of their family life." He also highlighted that these services will be available next September.

Supporting Parents and Children

The Home Visit Service Initiative offers support during early motherhood weeks through visits from professionals who monitor child growth and development. This service aims at ensuring parents' well-being during this critical period.

To further assist parents in balancing work-life responsibilities, the programme includes developing policies that support working mothers and fathers with caregiving duties. Early childhood support initiatives also provide care services in government nurseries, increasing opportunities for children’s enrolment.

Commitment from Leadership

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, emphasised: "The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority works within an integrated system alongside community sector entities affiliated with DCD to implement the growth programme for Emirati Family." He noted that these efforts align with leadership directives aimed at achieving societal well-being and family stability.

Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of DCD, explained that this programme reflects DCD’s commitment to supporting Emirati family progress and stability. He stressed that integrated efforts from all stakeholders are essential for strengthening family roles within society.

Sustaining Family Growth

The Emirati Family Growth Support Programme will be implemented over five years. During this period, the impact of these initiatives will be assessed regularly to ensure they contribute positively towards building a stable community.

Aiming at fostering societal cohesion and solidarity among Emiratis, this programme underscores the importance of strong families as foundations for sustainable development in Abu Dhabi emirate.

With inputs from WAM