Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has launched the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme,’ aiming to enhance family stability and well-being among Emirati families in Dubai.
A key feature of the programme is the introduction of a 10-day paid marriage leave for government employees in Dubai. This initiative is part of the first phase of the programme, which also includes flexible work policies, reduced housing loan premiums, and enhanced support for Emirati weddings.
The marriage leave policy reflects efforts to promote work-life balance and aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which seeks to double the number of Emirati families in Dubai by 2033. Other benefits include a remote work option on Fridays for new mothers during their first year post-maternity leave and reduced monthly housing loan premiums for beneficiaries of the Dubai Weddings programme.
The Dubai Weddings programme itself has already facilitated 344 weddings in 2024 and contributed to a 10.1% increase in Emirati weddings compared to the previous year. It covers wedding ceremony costs, offers financial support, and provides free venues.
Sheikha Hind emphasized the importance of strong families as the foundation of a cohesive society, stating: “We are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of every Emirati family in Dubai, ensuring their lasting happiness and stability.”
In addition to marriage-related benefits, the programme includes training on financial literacy, marital awareness, and home-building to equip young couples with life-planning and financial management skills.
The initiative marks a significant step toward empowering Emirati families, fostering social values, and preparing them for future challenges. Emirati citizens planning to marry can register for the Dubai Weddings programme through the Emirati platform on the Dubai Now app or the Community Development Authority’s website.
