Dubai Launches New Family Programme with 10-Day Paid Marriage Leave and Flexible Work Policies

Programme Overview: Empowering Emirati Families

Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’. This ambitious initiative focuses on family growth, stability, and wellbeing in Dubai, offering Emirati families financial, social, and educational support to promote work-life balance and strengthen community values.

Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum stated:

“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.”

Building a Cohesive and Happy Society

The programme aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to reinforce family stability as a cornerstone of a cohesive society. It reflects national priorities by empowering Emirati families, upholding their values, and equipping them for future challenges.

Comprehensive Support Package for Families

The ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’ offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• Wedding support

• Housing assistance

• Flexible work policies

• Social, financial, and educational awareness programmes

These initiatives contribute to the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to double the number of Emirati families in the emirate by 2033 and foster connected, value-driven families.

Phase One Initiatives: Key Benefits

Flexible Work Benefits

In collaboration with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department:

• 10-day paid marriage leave for government sector employees in Dubai.

• Remote work option on Fridays for mothers during the first year after maternity leave.

Reduced Housing Loan Premiums

• Monthly housing loan premiums reduced to Dh3,333 for Dubai Weddings programme beneficiaries earning up to Dh30,000 monthly.

Dubai Weddings Programme

Launched in January 2024, this programme supports Emirati couples by:

• Covering the costs of the main wedding ceremony.

• Providing free wedding halls and Majlises.

• Offering financial support to both spouses and discounts via the Esaad card.

The programme facilitated 344 weddings in 2024, accounting for 28.3% of all Emirati weddings in Dubai, with a 10.1% increase in Emirati weddings compared to 2023.

Housing Support

In collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment:

• Prioritising ready-made housing allocation for Dubai Weddings programme beneficiaries.

Training and Awareness Initiatives

1. ‘Start it Right’ Marital Awareness Programme

   • Focused on life planning and social-emotional skills.

     • Benefited 1,013 individuals, with 208 receiving financial support.

2. Financial Literacy Course

   • Equips soon-to-be-married couples with financial planning skills, including saving, budgeting, and debt avoidance.

3. ‘How to Build Your Home’ Programme

   • Provides practical knowledge on home building, in collaboration with the New Economy Academy.

These benefits are available to new Dubai Weddings programme members from January 4, 2025, with housing benefits applications open for one year.

Future Expansions and How to Apply

Future phases will expand the programme to include additional packages in education, health, and social services.

• Emirati citizens planning to marry can register via the ‘Emirati’ platform on the Dubai Now app.

• Alternatively, visit the Community Development Authority’s website or call 800 2121 for more details.

Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum’s vision exemplifies Dubai’s commitment to fostering happy, cohesive families, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

 

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