The Dubai government has introduced new initiatives as part of the first phase of the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Program,’ aimed at promoting family stability, improving quality of life, and encouraging a better work-life balance.

The initiative offers staff members of Dubai government departments a paid 10-day marital vacation and a Friday remote work option for first year mothers after their maternity leave. 

Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, the wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is driving the effort. Its objective is to equip Emirati families with all-encompassing help so enabling them to flourish and so promote their stability and development.

Sheikha Hind underlined in a statement published by the Dubai Government Media Office (GMO) the need of solid families in forming a better future. She said she was committed to making every Emirati family in Dubai happy and stable, so allowing them to raise the next generation of people who will help to ensure a better future.

The government has also lowered the monthly cost for home loans to a minimum of Dh3,333 for participants in the Dubai Weddings program, given their monthly income does not exceed Dh30,000, as part of the larger goal of supporting family well-being. This program is meant to help young Emiratis reduce the financial load of marriage and family formation.

Apart from the financial aid for house loans, the "Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Program" works with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment to provide housing aid, This includes giving loan recipients-who also take part in the Dubai Weddings program top priority for the distribution of ready-made homes, Combining these housing incentives with the program is part of a larger initiative to guarantee that Emirati families have the tools they need to create stable and environmentally friendly houses.

Starting in January 2024, the Dubai Weddings program covers the expenses of the major wedding ceremony, therefore offering Emirati couples thorough help, Additionally free of charge are neighborhood Majlises and wedding venues provided by the program. Reflecting the government's will to assist Emirati people on their path towards marriage, the financial aid is given to the bride and the groom.

With 344 weddings facilitated, the Dubai Weddings program became rather important in Emirati weddings in its first year. By the end of 2024, this explained 28.3% of all Emirati weddings in Dubai. Furthermore, the project helped Emirati marriages rise noticeably: the Dubai Government Media Office reports a 10.1% spike in weddings in 2024 as compared to the year before.

All Emirati residents in Dubai who intend to get married can register to take part in the Dubai Weddings program should the bride be also a citizen of the country, Registration is accessible on the Dubai Now app via the "Emirati" portal, For further information and to start the registration procedure, people can also visit the Community Development Authority's website or call the Authority at 800 2121.