Page 62 - DGHR PR REPORT - JANUARY 2025

empowering them to nurture future generations who can shape a brighter tomorrow,” Her Highness
added.

A new vision
The ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’ introduces a forward-looking vision for the
Emirati family with a comprehensive support package that includes wedding support, housing
assistance, flexible work policies, and social, financial, and housing awareness and education
programmes.

The programme aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to foster
happy, connected, and value-driven families and double the number of Emirati families in the
emirate by 2033.

Phase One
The ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’ features several key initiatives in its first phase.
In collaboration with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, the programme offers
flexible work benefits, including a 10-day paid marriage leave for government sector employees in
Dubai and a ‘remote work’ option on Fridays for mothers during the first year after maternity leave.

The ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’ reduces the monthly premium for housing
loans to a minimum of AED3,333 for beneficiaries of the Dubai Weddings programme, provided
their monthly income does not exceed AED30,000. This initiative aims to ease financial pressures
on young people and support their ability to meet other family needs.
In January 2024, under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al
Maktoum, the Community Development Authority in Dubai launched the Dubai Weddings
programme, which covers the costs of the main wedding ceremony and provides wedding halls and
neighbourhood Majlises free of charge. The Dubai Weddings initiative provides financial support to
both husband and wife, easing the financial pressures of marriage. The programme also provides a
wide range of discounts to Dubai Weddings beneficiaries including those offered through the Esaad
card.

In its first year, the Dubai Weddings programme facilitated 344 weddings, accounting for 28.3% of
all Emirati weddings in Dubai by the end of 2024. It also contributed to a 10.1% increase in Emirati
weddings last year compared to 2023.
Housing support
In its first phase, the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’ also offers housing support in
collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment, by prioritising the allocation
of ready-made housing for loan beneficiaries under the Dubai Weddings programme.

The ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’ includes a range of training initiatives for Dubai
Weddings members, such as the ‘Start it Right’ marital awareness programme. This initiative equips
young people with essential skills to wisely plan their lives, fostering the social and emotional tools
needed to build happy families and address challenges positively. It offers courses on the social
and economic aspects of marriage, emphasising understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect
between spouses. To date, 1,013 individuals have benefited from the ‘Start it Right’ programme,
while 208 have benefited from financial support.

https://www.mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2025/january/04-01/sheikha-hind