Jan 18 2025
DUBAI: Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has introduced the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’ to bolster family growth, stability, and well-being in Dubai.
The initiative offers financial, social, and educational support, aiming to enhance quality of life, strengthen family values, and promote work-life balance. It aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, targeting a twofold increase in Emirati families by 2033.
Sheikha Hind emphasised the programme reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to position families as the cornerstone of a strong, cohesive society. She stated, “Strong families create a better future, ensuring happiness and stability while preparing generations to build a brighter tomorrow.”
The programme includes wedding and housing assistance, flexible work options, and awareness initiatives. Key features include 10-day paid marriage leave and remote work on Fridays for new mothers in Dubai’s government sector. It also reduces housing loan premiums to AED 3,333 for beneficiaries with incomes under AED 30,000.
A highlight is the Dubai Weddings programme, launched in January 2024. Covering wedding costs and offering free venues, it facilitated 344 Emirati weddings in its first year, contributing to a 10.1% rise in Emirati marriages. Training initiatives like ‘Start it Right’ and financial literacy courses equip couples with essential skills for stable, successful marriages.
Housing support prioritises ready-made homes for wedding loan beneficiaries. Training under the ‘How to Build Your Home’ initiative teaches efficient home-building skills.
Future phases will expand benefits to include education, health, and social services. Registration for the Dubai Weddings programme is open via the ‘Emirati’ platform on the Dubai Now app or through the Community Development Authority.
