Page 66 - DGHR PR REPORT - JANUARY 2025

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 (for Dubai Weddings Programme beneficiaries): Monthly
premiums reduced to a minimum of Dh3,333 for beneficiaries with a monthly income not
exceeding Dh30,000.

Dubai Weddings Programme (launched in January 2024): Covers the costs of the main wedding
ceremony and provides free wedding halls and neighbourhood Majlises. Offers financial support to
both husband and wife and provides discounts through the Esaad card.

In its first year, the program facilitated 344 weddings (28.3 per cent of all Emirati weddings in Dubai
by the end of 2024) and contributed to a 10.1% increase in Emirati weddings compared to 2023.

Housing Support (in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment):
Prioritises the allocation of ready-made housing for loan beneficiaries under the Dubai Weddings
programme.

Training initiatives: Start it Right marital awareness programme: Equips young people with essential
life planning skills and fosters social and emotional tools for building happy families. To date, 1,013
individuals have benefited from the program, with 208 receiving financial support.

Financial literacy course: Provides soon-to-be-married couples with financial planning knowledge
and emphasizes saving, budgeting, and avoiding debt.

How to Build Your Home programme (in collaboration with the New Economy Academy): Equips
young people with the skills and knowledge needed to build their homes efficiently and
economically.

These benefits apply to new members of the Dubai Weddings Programme from January 4, 2025.
Those wishing to avail themselves of housing benefits can apply within one year of benefiting from
the Dubai Weddings Programme.

Future phases of the programme will expand its scope by introducing new packages and benefits in
education, health, and other social services.

All Emirati citizens in Dubai planning to marry (provided the prospective bride is an Emirati citizen)
can register for the Dubai Weddings Programme through the ‘Emirati’ platform on the Dubai Now
app. Alternatively, individuals can register or learn more by visiting the Community Development
Authority’s website or contacting the Authority at 800 2121.

https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/sheikh-mohammed-approves-dh5-4-billion-housing-
project-for-newly-wed-emiratis-1.500010924