Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Launches Family Programme To Empower Emirati Families In Dubai

H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, spouse of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has introduced the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’. This initiative aims to bolster family growth and stability in Dubai by providing financial, social, and educational support. It reflects Her Highness' commitment to empowering Emirati families and enhancing their well-being.

The programme aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33's goals to nurture happy and connected families. It seeks to double the number of Emirati families in the emirate by 2033. The initiative offers a comprehensive support package that includes wedding support, housing assistance, flexible work policies, and awareness programmes related to social, financial, and housing matters.

In collaboration with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, the programme introduces flexible work benefits. These include a 10-day paid marriage leave for government employees in Dubai and a 'remote work' option on Fridays for mothers during their first year after maternity leave. These measures aim to promote work-life balance among families.

The programme also reduces monthly premiums for housing loans to AED3,333 for beneficiaries of the Dubai Weddings programme. This benefit is available if their monthly income does not exceed AED30,000. The goal is to alleviate financial burdens on young people and help them meet other family needs effectively.

Launched in January 2024 under H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum's directives, the Dubai Weddings programme covers main wedding ceremony costs. It provides free wedding halls and neighbourhood Majlises. Financial support is extended to both spouses through this initiative, easing marriage-related financial pressures.

The Dubai Weddings programme facilitated 344 weddings in its first year, representing 28.3% of all Emirati weddings in Dubai by 2024's end. It also led to a 10.1% increase in Emirati weddings compared to 2023 figures.

Training Initiatives for Young Couples

The ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’ offers various training initiatives like the ‘Start it Right’ marital awareness programme for Dubai Weddings members. This initiative equips young individuals with essential skills for planning their lives wisely and building happy families while addressing challenges positively.

The training includes courses on marriage's social and economic aspects, emphasising understanding and cooperation between spouses. So far, 1,013 individuals have benefited from this programme while 208 have received financial support.

Financial Literacy and Housing Support

A financial literacy course is available for members of the Dubai Weddings initiative under this programme. It educates soon-to-be-married couples on effective resource management and long-term financial stability planning while highlighting saving importance.

The ‘How to Build Your Home’ programme collaborates with the New Economy Academy to provide housing loan beneficiaries with skills needed for economical home construction. These benefits apply from January 4th, 2025 onwards for new members of the Dubai Weddings programme.

Future phases will expand into education, health services among others as part of the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’. All Emirati citizens planning marriage can register via 'Emirati' platform on Dubai Now app or contact Community Development Authority at 800 2121.

With inputs from WAM