In Dubai, the welfare of every citizen is a top priority for the government. There are lots of initiatives being rolled out to ensure every resident of the emirate enjoys the best possible living conditions. One such initiative is the announcement of the brand new family program by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which will allow newlyweds to enjoy 10 days of paid marriage leave in the UAE.
Launched on Sunday January 5, 2025, the scheme named the “Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Program” looks to support Emirati households in Dubai through various social, financial, and educational initiatives. Its focus is to foster the growth, well-being, and stability of families in Dubai, improve the quality of life, reinforce shared values, and promote a healthy work-life balance.
His Royal Highness, the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the scheme in conjunction with his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum to offer wedding support packages, accommodation assistance, and flexible work policies to support Emirati families.
Key Objectives of the Program
The objectives of the scheme include:
Promoting Community Values and a Unified Society
While commenting on the goals of the initiative, Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum said: “Strong families are essential to create a better future. We are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of every Emirati family in Dubai, ensuring their lasting happiness and stability while empowering them to nurture future generations who can shape a brighter tomorrow.”
She also stated how the objectives of the scheme align with the ruler of Dubai’s vision to strengthen family ties, uphold values, and reinforce the role of families as the bedrock of any functional society. The program will equip Emirati families with the support needed to face future challenges.
Better Support for Emirati Households
The program will focus on providing comprehensive support packages for Emirati families. It will include support for housing, weddings, flexible work policies, and educational programs which will promote financial, social, and housing awareness.
The objectives of the program align with the focus of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, a scheme that seeks to create happy, value-oriented, and connected families while looking to double the number of Emirati families in Dubai by 2033.
Components of the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Program
Phase One Initiatives
The program in its initial phase, will offer various key initiatives. In conjunction with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, the program will offer flexible work benefits for newlyweds, which will include a 10-day paid marriage leave in Dubai for government employees in the emirate and a ‘work from home’ option on Fridays for mothers during the first year on conclusion of their maternity leave.
For the beneficiaries of the Dubai Weddings Program, the scheme will reduce the monthly premium for apartment loans to a minimum of AED 3,333, provided the monthly household income is below AED 30,000. This seeks to reduce the financial burden on newlyweds and provide them with better living conditions.
The Dubai Weddings Program was launched in January 2024 by the Community Development Authority, following instructions from Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum. As part of the directive, the scheme covers costs associated with wedding ceremonies, and provides wedding halls and neighborhood Majlises at no extra cost. With the financial support offered to young couples and a variety of other discounts enjoyed, including discounts available through the Esaad card, the initiative hopes to ease the financial strain marriage puts on newlyweds.
In its first year, the Dubai Weddings Program facilitated over 340 weddings, which represent more than 28 percent of all Emirati weddings in the emirate by the end of 2024. The scheme also contributed to an increase of over 10% in Emirati weddings in 2024 compared to 2023, indicating great success, with better outcomes expected in the future.
Housing Assistance
In partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment, the family program by Her Highness provides housing support for young couples, prioritizing the allocation of constructed homes for loan beneficiaries of the Dubai Weddings Program.
Training Programs
The initiative also includes several training programs for members of the Dubai Weddings Program. Training programs include the ‘Start it Right’ marital awareness program, financial literacy course, and the ‘How to Build Your Home’ program.
As part of the initiative, the ‘Start it Right’ marital awareness program equips young people with the necessary skills to effectively plan and navigate life, providing the emotional and social tools required for building healthy relationships and happy families and handling challenges properly. The program has over 1,000 beneficiaries, with over 200 receiving financial aid.
Another impactful training program is the financial literacy course, which provides soon-to-be newlyweds with the much-needed knowledge to plan their finances, use resources judiciously, and secure long-term financial stability. The course also highlights the significance of budgeting, saving, and avoiding debt to ensure better living conditions.
The ‘How to Build Your Home’ training program is offered to housing loan beneficiaries under the Dubai Weddings Program in partnership with the New Economy Academy. It seeks to provide young couples with the knowledge and skills required to build their homes in an economically efficient manner.
Effective from January 4, 2025, all new members of the Dubai Weddings Program will enjoy the above benefits, including the wedding leaves.
Enhancing the Quality of Life for Newlyweds
The Family Program by Her Highness will address many needs and problems of young people looking to navigate the intricacies of marriage. Through benefits such as marriage leaves, housing support, and training programs, young couples will be better equipped to handle the complexities of marriage, plan for financial stability, and build happy relationships together.
Additionally, the initiative ensures that young couples can enjoy a well-balanced life, making it easier for them to explore new experiences. Whether it's finding a new home, managing finances, or even accessing lifestyle conveniences such as the option to rent a car in Dubai, the program aims to offer holistic support for newlyweds. The 10-day newlywed leave in Dubai is a much-welcome initiative that will set the tone for young couples to enjoy a healthy marriage while balancing personal and professional commitments.
Or drop us a mail at help@beno.com
