Dubai Weddings initiative expands support for Emirati families

Dubai: The Dubai Weddings initiative has grown from a service helping Emirati couples organise their wedding celebrations into a wider programme supporting young families before and after marriage.

Launched in early 2024, the initiative brings together wedding services, marriage preparation, financial and housing guidance, and family counselling through the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme.

The programme operates under the guidance of 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.

Its broader aim is to make marriage more accessible for young Emiratis while helping couples prepare for family life and manage some of the financial and practical pressures that come with starting a household.

Growing number of beneficiaries

According to the latest figures from the Community Development Authority (CDA), the initiative had helped establish 1,411 Emirati families as of August 2026. Families supported through the programme have since welcomed 418 newborns.

A total of 2,898 weddings have been held through the initiative, including 1,411 for women and 1,487 for men.

The programme also provides practical guidance for couples preparing for married life. Its Start It Right programme has reached 2,591 beneficiaries through sessions covering key aspects of marriage and family life.

Financial planning courses have benefited 677 participants, while 251 people attended the How to Build Your Home workshops as of the end of March.

Awareness and guidance programmes linked to the initiative have attracted 3,519 beneficiaries, while overall satisfaction among participants reached 99.3 per cent.

The initiative has also received five local and international awards in recognition of its approach and social impact.

Support beyond the wedding day

Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the CDA, said the initiative had developed into a broader support system for young Emiratis.

“The success of ‘Dubai Weddings’ reflects the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum and her continued commitment to creating a supportive environment for young Emiratis to build stable and cohesive families,” she said.

She added that the programme now brings together social and educational support before and after marriage, helping families build stronger foundations for the future.

Services available through DubaiNow

The initiative has also been designed to make access to services easier. Emirati citizens preparing for marriage can apply for and track services through the DubaiNow app.

Dr Ahmed Al Hashemi, CEO of the Social Regulation and Services Sector at the CDA, said the digital service was intended to make the process simpler for applicants.

Beneficiaries can also use CDA wedding venues in Al Barsha, Al Twar, Al Lisaili and Hatta, along with 27 supporting initiatives covering areas including marriage preparation, counselling, housing and financial support.

The CDA said the programme brings together government bodies and national institutions across Dubai to provide coordinated support to Emirati families, with the aim of helping couples not only celebrate their weddings but also prepare for the responsibilities of family life.