Abu Dhabi's Department of Community Development (DCD) has launched the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme, a five-year initiative designed to help UAE nationals marry, have children, and build stable households. Approved by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council on the direction of Crown Prince H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the programme runs until 2028 and forms part of the emirate's broader Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy.
What the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme Includes
The programme consists of six initiatives implemented by the DCD alongside three key partners: the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, and the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority.
The six initiatives target distinct stages of family formation:
Marriage Loan Initiative — provides an interest-free financial advance to public and private sector employees planning to marry, with support available to women whose husbands default on loan obligations.
Maternity Leave Support — extends paid maternity leave for Emirati mothers working in the private sector to 90 days, bringing parity closer to public-sector standards.
Home Visit Service — delivers post-natal support to mothers experiencing complications after childbirth, including provision of essentials such as food, water, and clothing, free of charge.
Rental Assistance for Newlyweds — provides annual financial support for up to four years to newly married Emirati males, with benefit adjustments linked to the birth of children during that period.
Extending Housing Loan Repayment Periods — grants a three-year extension on existing housing loans for residents who have four or more children.
Loan Partial Deduction — reduces the outstanding housing loan balance for families with multiple children: AED 30,000 for the fourth child, AED 30,000 for the fifth, and AED 40,000 for the sixth.
Leadership Statements
Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of the DCD, addressed a graduation ceremony at a teaching hospital to mark the launch. He underlined the leadership's vision of improving living standards and described families as the backbone of society. Dr. Al Khaili said the programme was designed to strengthen family values among young people and parents, and to support the achievement of the UAE's national objectives.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority Board, and Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the DCD, both described the programme as critical to ensuring family stability and broader societal wellbeing. Both officials noted the initiative's alignment with Abu Dhabi's sustainable development plan.
Five-Year Outlook
Running over five years, the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme is designed to be evaluated continuously for effectiveness in building a stable and prosperous society. Its goals include improving the work-family balance, advancing child development, and expanding the availability of care options — all aimed at strengthening a cohesive and productive Emirati community through 2028.
Emirati citizens can register for the programme's initiatives through the Medeem online platform, where eligibility criteria and application details are published.
