The Dubai government has launched a new program that incentivizes Emirati weddings.
The wedding of Her Highness Sheikha Mahra and Sheikh Mana. Photo: Instagram.com/hhshmahra
Named the Dubai Wedding Program, the initiative introduced by the Community Development Authority (CDA) is aimed at encouraging young Emiratis to get married while improving family stability and quality of life. The program seeks to do so by reducing the financial burdens that surround Emirati weddings, such as marriage planning services, and holding celebrations in Dubai’s event halls. Family counseling for newlyweds, marriage planning, family management, and financial advice for young couples will also be offered as part of the program. Some of the wedding halls named under the program include venues in Al Barsha, Al Lisaili, Hatta, and Al Twar Hall.
Hessa Buhumaid, director general of the CDA, stated that the immediate goal for the program is to “provide financial and social support to young people to encourage them to get married,” and eventually increase the number of stable Emirati families in society. “But we aspire for the program to also contribute to creating a positive model for wedding celebrations and changing stereotypical ideas related to exaggerated celebrations,” she added. “This will help a larger segment of young men and women to marry at an early age, which will contribute to increasing the number of Emirati families in society.”
The program is part of the larger Dubai Social Agenda 33 valued at AED 208 billion, which was launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It features a series of projects for the year 2024, inspired by the overarching theme of ‘Family: The Foundation of Our Nation’. “Family is the cornerstone of the nation and the foundation of all development plans,” said Sheikh Mohammed. “Our ultimate objective is to enhance the quality of citizens’ lives for a brighter future.”
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