Sheikh Mohammed approves Dh5.4 billion housing project for Emirati newly-weds

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday approved a Dh5.4 billion housing initiative aiming to construct more than 3,000 housing units in Dubai.

The initiative, prioritising newly wed Emiratis, is part of ongoing government efforts to encourage young Emiratis to marry and provide them with quality housing, boosting family stability and quality of life.

“In support of Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, we approved a package of housing projects, aiming to build over 3,000 units worth Dh5.4 billion,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

He added that priority allocation in some of the housing projects would be given to participants in the Dubai Weddings Programme, which aims to facilitate and encourage marriages among young Emiratis.

“The goal is to provide decent housing for families, to make life easier and to improve the quality of life for our youth who are starting their lives,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.

“We are committed to providing dignified housing for families, easing their lives, and enhancing the quality of life for our young people as they embark on their future. Hind bint Maktoum, Hamdan bin Mohammed, Maktoum bin Mohammed, and I will continue to support all efforts that promote the prosperity, stability, and well-being of our people,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Sheikha Hind launches Family Programme

Earlier yesterday, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, launched the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme.

The programme aims to support family growth, stability and wellbeing in Dubai by offering financial, social, and educational support to strengthen community values and promote work-life balance. This initiative reflects Her Highness’s dedication to empowering Emirati families and fostering their stability and growth.

Building a cohesive and happy society

Sheikha Hind stated that the programme reflects HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to strengthen family stability and consolidate the family’s role as the nucleus of a cohesive society. It aligns with national priorities to empower Emirati families, uphold their values and prepare them for future challenges.

“Strong families are essential to create a better future. We are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of every Emirati family in Dubai, ensuring their lasting happiness and stability while empowering them to nurture future generations who can shape a brighter tomorrow,” she added.

Family Programme highlights

The Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme introduces a comprehensive support package for Emirati families, including:

• Wedding support

• Housing assistance

• Flexible work policies

• Social, financial, and housing awareness and education programmes

The programme aligns with 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.

First phase of the project

The first phase of the programme includes several key initiatives:

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.