Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has unveiled the groundbreaking ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme,’ aimed at empowering Emirati families while fostering their stability and growth. This visionary initiative offers a holistic approach to strengthen family values, enhance quality of life, and promote a sustainable work-life balance in Dubai.
Strengthening Families for a Brighter Future
Her Highness underlined the programme’s alignment with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to make the family the cornerstone of a cohesive society. By addressing financial, social, and educational challenges, the initiative aspires to empower Emirati families to build a happier and more stable future.
“Strong families are the foundation of a prosperous society. This programme reflects our unwavering commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of every Emirati family, ensuring their happiness and preparing them for future generations to thrive,” stated Sheikha Hind.
Comprehensive Support Under Phase One
The first phase of the initiative introduces innovative solutions tailored to the diverse needs of Emirati families. From wedding and housing support to flexible work policies, the programme takes a forward-thinking approach. Highlights of Phase One include:
- 10-Day Paid Marriage Leave: Government employees in Dubai now receive 10 days of paid leave upon marriage, fostering work-life balance.
- Flexible Work for New Mothers: Mothers employed in the government sector can work remotely on Fridays during their first year after maternity leave.
- Financial Support for Weddings: The Dubai Weddings programme subsidizes main wedding ceremony costs, provides free wedding halls, and offers discounts via the Esaad card.
- Housing Loan Relief: Monthly premiums for housing loans are reduced to AED 3,333 for eligible beneficiaries earning less than AED 30,000 per month.
The Dubai Weddings initiative, launched earlier this year, has already supported 344 Emirati weddings, accounting for 28.3% of all local weddings by 2024’s end. This has driven a 10.1% rise in Emirati weddings compared to the previous year.
Equipping Families for Success
The ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’ doesn’t just address financial needs—it also prioritizes education and skills development. For instance:
- Marital Awareness Courses: The ‘Start it Right’ programme equips newlyweds with essential skills to build happy and resilient families.
- Financial Literacy Workshops: Soon-to-be-married couples learn critical budgeting and resource management skills to ensure financial stability.
- Housing Awareness: The ‘How to Build Your Home’ initiative trains participants in economical home-building practices.
Since its inception, over 1,000 individuals have benefited from these training programs, fostering a new generation of well-prepared Emirati families.
Vision for the Future
The programme, part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, envisions a doubling of Emirati families in the emirate by 2033 while creating connected, value-driven communities. Future phases will introduce broader support packages covering education, healthcare, and additional social services.
With registration available via the ‘Emirati’ platform on the Dubai Now app, the programme ensures accessibility for all eligible Emiratis.
Her Highness Sheikha Hind’s initiative underscores the UAE leadership’s commitment to family welfare and nation-building, setting a model for societal harmony and sustainable development.