By Staff Reporter
Abu Dhabi: Acting on the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has officially designated 2026 as the Year of the Family, under the broader UAE Year of Initiative framework. The move reflects a renewed national commitment to strengthening families as the foundation of a cohesive, resilient and compassionate society.
The Year of the Family aims to celebrate the central role families play in shaping values, nurturing identity and building strong communities. It places emphasis on reinforcing close family bonds — the roots from which national unity and social stability grow — while ensuring that core Emirati values of care, cooperation and solidarity are passed on to future generations.
Family at the heart of national development
Since its founding, the UAE has treated the family not merely as a traditional social unit, but as a cornerstone of nation-building. Families are seen as the primary channel through which values are transmitted, culture is preserved and a shared national identity is sustained.
This people-centred philosophy is embedded in the country’s development model. National strategies consistently prioritise social well-being, family stability and quality of life, translating cultural values into concrete public policy. Over the years, this vision has taken shape through modern legislation, sustainable social programmes and integrated services designed to support families at every stage of life.
Declaring 2026 the Year of the Family underscores the leadership’s belief that investing in families is, fundamentally, an investment in the nation’s future.
Enhancing quality of life for Emirati families
For the UAE’s leadership, strong families are the bedrock of social cohesion. It is within the family that identity is formed, values are learned and a sense of belonging takes root. As a result, the state has focused on building a comprehensive support system that protects family unity and enhances overall well-being.
This long-term effort spans family-focused legislation, social and economic policies, women’s empowerment initiatives and the delivery of integrated health, education and social services. Housing stability, work–life balance and family-friendly workplaces have also been prioritised.
Today, family support in the UAE has evolved into a data-driven government framework with clear objectives, measurable outcomes and sustained impact.
Modern family-supportive legislation
Over the past two decades, the UAE has modernised its family laws to reflect social change and international best practices while safeguarding its cultural and civilisational values. Reforms to personal status laws now address marriage, divorce, custody, alimony and guardianship with greater clarity and fairness.
New legal frameworks have strengthened family stability and introduced efficient mechanisms for dispute resolution. Family courts and reconciliation centres now prioritise amicable solutions, with particular focus on protecting the rights and interests of children, women and the elderly.
Child protection remains a national priority. The expanded Wadeema Law has enhanced safeguards for children and strengthened social care services, ensuring their psychological, emotional and social well-being while preserving family ties.
Families and sustainable development
Family empowerment is central to the UAE’s sustainable development agenda. Policies such as the National Family Policy aim to strengthen family cohesion and increase families’ contribution to long-term social and economic development.
A key component is the Ministry of Family Strategy (2025–2027), which focuses on family stability, quality of life, work–life balance and both mental and physical well-being. The strategy promotes collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society to create an integrated, long-lasting support ecosystem.
Its goals are clear: stronger families, higher well-being and adaptive policies that respond to demographic and social change.
A national agenda for family growth
Momentum was further reinforced last November during the UAE Government Annual Meetings with the launch of the National Agenda for Family Growth 2031. The agenda sets long-term priorities aimed at supporting family formation and growth throughout the decade.
Key objectives include increasing marriage and birth rates, lowering the average age of marriage and creating a supportive environment through coordinated social, economic and healthcare policies that encourage stable and sustainable family choices.
Empowering working Emirati women
Family policy in the UAE is closely linked to women’s empowerment. Women are recognised not only as economic contributors but as essential partners in building strong families and communities.
Policies support women’s participation in the workforce while safeguarding maternity rights through paid maternity leave, flexible working hours, breastfeeding breaks, workplace nurseries and increased representation in leadership and decision-making roles.
Much of this progress has been championed by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” whose initiatives have played a defining role in advancing social development. Today, Emirati women are central figures in education, employment, governance and community leadership.
Comprehensive social and health services
The UAE provides high-quality services that support families across their entire life cycle. These include reproductive healthcare, prenatal services, safe childbirth, early screening for mothers and children, and integrated mental health support before and after pregnancy.
Family counselling and mental health services are embedded within healthcare and education systems, ensuring psychological stability and emotional resilience for both parents and children.
Early childhood development and inclusion
Early childhood development is a national priority, supported by specialised programmes led by entities such as the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority. These initiatives address children’s cognitive, emotional and physical development during their most formative years.
The UAE also maintains comprehensive support systems for People of Determination, offering inclusive education, rehabilitation and social services that promote independence and full participation in society.
Housing and family-friendly communities
National housing programmes ensure Emirati families have access to safe, well-planned living environments. Urban planning prioritises community facilities such as parks, green spaces, walking and cycling tracks and sports amenities, reinforcing social interaction and family well-being.
Promoting work–life balance
Recognising the pressures of modern life, the UAE has implemented policies that support work–family balance. Enhanced maternity and paternity leave, flexible working arrangements, workplace nurseries and incentives for family-friendly private sector practices help parents manage responsibilities at home and at work.
These measures contribute directly to family stability, employee satisfaction and social cohesion.
The Year of the Family: A new phase
The designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family marks a new chapter in the UAE’s social development journey. The year will accelerate initiatives that place families at the centre of policy-making, expand mental and reproductive health support, and encourage community participation.
Nationwide programmes, research initiatives and awareness campaigns will focus on improving family life through three strategic pillars:
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Roots: Strengthening values and intergenerational bonds through everyday actions
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Connections: Encouraging communication, closeness and mutual understanding within families
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Growth: Providing practical tools and services that support family development and well-being
Civil society and national identity
Family support in the UAE extends beyond government institutions. Civil society organisations, community centres, counselling services and cultural institutions all play a role in promoting family stability and awareness.
The family is also viewed as the guardian of national identity. Within the home, children learn respect, generosity, diligence, tolerance and cooperation — values reinforced through national initiatives such as Emirati Children’s Day and Emirati Women’s Day.
Through this comprehensive, future-focused approach, the UAE reaffirms a simple but powerful belief: a strong nation begins with strong families — and investing in families is investing in the future.
Source: Gulf News
