In a pivotal step towards fostering family cohesion and societal well-being, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reviewed the Emirati Family Growth Programme during a detailed briefing with the Department of Community Development (DCD). This initiative is an integral part of the UAE’s vision for sustainable development, focusing on creating a supportive and thriving environment for Emirati families.
The programme’s core aim is to strengthen family stability, viewed as a cornerstone for a prosperous society. It aligns seamlessly with the UAE leadership’s long-term commitment to improving the quality of life and ensuring a sustainable future for its citizens.
A Leadership Commitment to Families
The briefing, held at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, was attended by a delegation led by Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the DCD, alongside Hamad Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Department, and members of the programme’s team. During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed received an in-depth overview of the programme’s objectives, scope, and strategic partnerships.
President Sheikh Mohamed underscored the importance of family as the foundation of a resilient society. He emphasized that supporting Emirati families is not just a social initiative but a vital investment in the nation’s future prosperity. Highlighting the UAE’s strategic development agenda, he remarked, “Family stability is a fundamental element for building a strong, cohesive, and thriving society.”
The UAE’s leadership has consistently prioritized initiatives that address family welfare and cohesion, ensuring that Emirati citizens are empowered to contribute effectively to national growth. Sheikh Mohamed’s engagement with the Emirati Family Growth Programme reinforces the nation’s unwavering commitment to fostering a robust and united community.
Programme Objectives and Vision
The Emirati Family Growth Programme aims to address key challenges faced by Emirati families while promoting growth and development through practical and impactful outcomes. The programme’s objectives include:
- Boosting Birth Rates: Encouraging higher birth rates among Emirati families through supportive policies and incentives.
- Increasing Marriage Rates: Streamlining marriage processes and fostering a culture of stable and early marriages among citizens.
- Reducing Divorce Rates: Providing counseling, education, and resources to address marital challenges and strengthen relationships.
These objectives are closely aligned with the UAE’s vision for sustainable development, recognizing family cohesion as a fundamental driver of economic and social progress. By addressing these aspects, the programme not only supports individual families but also contributes to the overall resilience and harmony of the Emirati society.
A Collaborative Approach for Greater Impact
The success of the Emirati Family Growth Programme lies in its collaborative framework. It is managed by the DCD in partnership with leading government entities, including:
- Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority: Providing financial and social assistance to families in need.
- Abu Dhabi Housing Authority: Facilitating access to affordable and suitable housing for Emirati families.
- Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority: Promoting early childhood development to ensure a strong foundation for future generations.
Together, these entities create a robust ecosystem of support that addresses family needs holistically, from financial assistance to early childhood care and marital counseling.
Citizens can access the programme’s services through the ‘Medeem’ electronic platform, a digital portal designed to simplify registration and provide streamlined access to resources. This user-centric approach ensures that families can benefit seamlessly from the programme’s offerings.
A Leadership Vision of Empowerment
Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the DCD, expressed his gratitude to the UAE’s leadership for its unwavering commitment to the well-being of Emirati families. He praised President Sheikh Mohamed’s proactive engagement with the programme, highlighting how it inspires the Department and its partners to continue working towards sustainable development goals.
“The support of our leadership drives our mission to empower families and foster stability, ensuring that the UAE remains a model of progress and quality of life,” Dr. Al Khaili remarked.
He further explained that the programme’s design reflects a balance of ambitious national goals and practical outcomes, ensuring its relevance and impact. By addressing critical issues such as declining birth rates and increasing divorce rates, the initiative seeks to create a stable and sustainable environment for all Emirati families.
Building a Sustainable Society
The Emirati Family Growth Programme is a reflection of the UAE’s broader strategy to create a sustainable, inclusive, and empowered society. It emphasizes the role of families as the backbone of the nation, ensuring their well-being is prioritized in every aspect of development.
By fostering strong family bonds, the programme contributes to a healthier and more cohesive society. This is essential not only for the individuals involved but also for the nation’s overall social and economic growth.
Through this initiative, the UAE continues to set benchmarks for sustainable development and citizen-centric policies. By empowering Emirati families, the programme creates a ripple effect of positive outcomes that resonate across generations.
A Call to Action for Emirati Families
Emirati citizens are encouraged to take advantage of the ‘Medeem’ electronic platform, where they can register and access the tailored services and initiatives offered under the programme. By participating, families contribute to a collective vision of unity, prosperity, and sustainability.
The Emirati Family Growth Programme is not just an initiative—it is a testament to the UAE’s unwavering dedication to its people. With the leadership’s steadfast support and a clear roadmap for the future, the programme embodies the UAE’s enduring commitment to building a society rooted in strength, cohesion, and progress.