As the UAE embraces “Family Year 2026,” a range of pioneering initiatives are set to elevate traditional family support to new heights. The focus is shifting towards understanding the everyday realities of families, alleviating their economic and procedural burdens, and promoting stability amid challenges, with a commitment to empower all generations within the family unit.
A Holistic Approach to Family Support
The “Family Year” initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to viewing the family as an integrated system. This necessitates more flexible government services, a nurturing community environment, legal protection, and opportunities that enhance the family’s capacity for stability and growth.
Family First Programme Launch
The Ministry of Family has translated this vision into action through the introduction of the “Family First” programme, part of the National Family Growth Agenda 2031. This programme aims to adapt public facilities and urban spaces to better suit family needs.
Inclusive Infrastructure Initiatives
Key initiatives within the programme include the provision of designated parking for pregnant women, dedicated seating for families on public transport, and “family and child oasis” rooms. These measures focus on enhancing the actual use of facilities and daily services by families, progressing from broad policy frameworks to practical application.
Streamlined Government Services
On the government services front, the Ministry of Justice has collaborated with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security to launch the “Emirati Family Data Package.” This initiative enables data integration and sharing among relevant agencies, allowing for easier updates to family data and reducing the need to visit service centres. The aim is to simplify procedures and enhance efficiency in delivering services to clients through governmental integration.
Economic Support Enhancements
The effort to ease financial burdens extends to economic aspects as well. The Board of Directors of the Competitiveness Council for Emirati Talent approved updates to the “Nafis” programme. Changes include adjustments to the child allowance, removing any cap on the number of children, and extending support for children of Emirati women working in the private sector, as well as Emirati men’s wives working therein, alongside extending the programme to 2040. These updates connect the enhancement of citizen participation in the labour market with consideration for family commitments.
Community-Based Benefits for Families
In a bid to support expatriate families, the Ministry of Family, in collaboration with “Fazaa,” has introduced a free membership for the entire year for families residing in the UAE with at least one child. This membership offers access to a spectrum of discounts and services. Additionally, community entities have amplified the representation of family issues in social dialogue. For instance, the Family Development Foundation in Abu Dhabi launched the “In Our Family Blessings” campaign, engaging various community, media, and health institutions to raise awareness surrounding family matters and reinforce its values.
Initiatives for Community Engagement
Moreover, Abu Dhabi’s Community Councils, aligned with the Office of Citizens and Community Affairs at the Presidential Court, have developed the “Community Core” initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Family. This initiative involves dialogue sessions focusing on the family’s role, values, cohesion, and stability, gradually expanding throughout the Emirates. It encourages open discussions about family challenges and involves community stakeholders in addressing them.
Legal Framework for Family Protection
On the judicial front, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has issued Decision No. 43 of 2026 regarding the “Post-Separation Charter,” which governs parental relationships in cases of dispute or separation, prioritising children’s best interests. This charter underscores the need for parental cooperation in child-rearing and establishes a framework to safeguard children’s rights and define responsibilities for both parties post-divorce, extending family protection into post-separation scenarios.
Empowering Families Economically
To bolster economic stability among families, the Community Contributions Authority (“Ma’an”), linked to Abu Dhabi’s Department of Community Development, launched the “My Family Innovates” programme to enable productive households in home-based projects. This initiative provides training in entrepreneurship, management, digital marketing, and artificial intelligence, targeting 150 individuals to upgrade their skills and enhance their economic activities’ growth potential.
Enhancing Specialist Capacity
Addressing family challenges also includes developing the skills of professionals offering counselling and support services. This need was met by the women’s Renaissance Association in Dubai, which initiated a training programme aimed at social service practitioners and psychological and family counsellors. The programme comprises 12 courses totalling 60 hours, aimed at enhancing practitioners’ knowledge and professional skills, thus improving the quality of support services available to families.
Focus on Family Formation and Support
The commitment to family care extends to its foundational stages. The Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Association for Future Generations initiated the “From a Small Dream… A Whole Universe is Born” campaign, beginning with a visit to Kind Hospital in Al Ain, where gifts were presented to new mothers to highlight the importance of conscious parenting and support for mothers and children from the earliest moments of life.
Cultural Celebrations and Community Involvement
To promote marriage and family formation, the women’s Renaissance Association in Dubai celebrated the “Zafa Harayer” initiative, marking its fifth traditional wedding event, where ten Emirati brides and grooms were wed. This event merged the revival of social heritage with the encouragement of simpler marriages, supporting those eager to establish their families.
Intergenerational Support and Engagement
Lastly, the Emirates Association for the Care and Welfare of Parents, Branch of Dubai, contributed to the landscape of initiatives by focusing on senior citizens and fostering intergenerational bonds. Over 30 initiatives were executed in collaboration with 35 entities, benefiting over 3,000 individuals, including elderly citizens, families, and children. The diverse programmes emphasised parental care and attention to the elderly, reflecting the family concept as encompassing all ages and their respective needs.