The upcoming “عام الأسرة” in the UAE in 2026 marks a significant initiative aimed at reinforcing the values of cohesion, partnership, and mutual support within the community. The Ministry of Family emphasizes its commitment to initiatives that prioritize parental support and youth empowerment, recognizing that the prosperity of each family is crucial for securing a brighter future for our children and strengthening the nation as a whole.
Reinforcing Family Values
The Ministry of Family is spearheading various programs and awareness campaigns designed to create a comprehensive roadmap for reshaping family policies. These initiatives are grounded in evidence and real-world data aimed at empowering Emirati families and ensuring their access to a decent quality of life. This approach aims to enhance the fabric of our society and contribute to sustainable development. Minister of Family, Sanaa bint Mohammed Suhail, emphasizes that “عام الأسرة” is a noble message that celebrates the familial values that unite all Emirati family members in love, respect, and cooperation. It instills the foundations of solidarity and unity, as the family serves as the primary building block where values are cultivated, leading to a thriving nation.
“Family Growth 2031” Agenda
The ministry has launched the “Family Growth 2031” national agenda aimed at achieving various outcomes by the year 2031. Key targets include increasing the number of Emirati births, enhancing the percentage of youth who prioritize marriage and parenthood in their life choices, promoting higher marriage rates among citizens, and reducing the average age of marriage. This strategy relies on three main pillars: fostering family identity through encouraging a communal mindset towards ‘family growth,’ reshaping narratives around family life, and inspiring commitment to family growth as an essential national value. It also focuses on creating supportive environments for establishing and sustaining families through social, economic, health, and housing support that empowers familial roles and relationships, bolstering societal cohesion.
Quality Initiatives for Families
In line with its 2025-2027 strategy, the ministry is implementing several innovative initiatives, including developing a comprehensive data system for families. Such a system will enable the government to better understand the needs of families and individuals, shaping relevant policies based on data. The ministry also plans to establish a “Family and Community Behavioral Experiences” unit to conduct behavioral assessments and design targeted interventions. Additionally, expanding family mediation services to enhance family and community cohesion is among the prioritized initiatives.
Awareness Campaigns for Community Engagement
The ministry’s strategy also involves launching a series of awareness campaigns and community events nationwide to boost public understanding of the family’s role while encouraging community participation in supporting national initiatives. Upcoming campaigns will concentrate on key topics such as mental health, positive parenting, balancing family and work life, and educating about disabilities and addiction.
Specialized Services for All Families
The Ministry of Family is dedicated to enhancing quality and specialized services offered through unified mechanisms that consider family variability across different regions of the country. This includes creating a supportive environment for family formation that relieves financial burdens on youth, encourages marriage, and promotes Emirati social values. Furthermore, efforts to improve parents’ and children’s quality of life will focus on enhancing health and psychological services, improving early education systems, and providing flexible job options to achieve a balance between family and career.
Overall, the upcoming “عام الأسرة” initiative serves not just as a celebration of familial unity, but as a movement dedicated to long-lasting cooperation, welfare, and growth within the Emirati community.