Abu Dhabi is offering young Emiratis an interest-free marriage loan of up to Dh150,000 ($40,838) as part of a new government initiative designed to ease the financial pressures of starting a family. The Marriage Loan Initiative, launched under the Emirati Family Growth Programme, will begin accepting applications in September 2024.
What Is the Abu Dhabi Marriage Loan Initiative?
The Marriage Loan Initiative is administered by the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (ADSSA) and forms a core pillar of the broader Emirati Family Growth Programme. The programme was founded by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, with the goal of fostering a culture of accessible marriage and the formation of stable, healthy families.
Eligible couples can receive an interest-free loan of up to Dh150,000 to cover the costs associated with getting married and establishing a household.
Who Is Eligible for the Marriage Loan?
To qualify for the Abu Dhabi marriage loan, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Both parties must be UAE Nationals. - The husband must hold a family book issued in Abu Dhabi. - The husband must be at least 21 years old. - The wife must be at least 18 years old at the time of marriage. If a bride is younger than 18, an Affidavit of Marriageable Age is required. - The husband's monthly employment income must be less than Dh60,000. - Registration must be confirmed on the Medeem Digital Platform.
Applications are open to couples who plan to marry within six months of their submission date.
When Do Applications Open?
The Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority will begin receiving applications in early September 2024. Full details on required documentation and application channels will be announced by the ADSSA closer to the launch date.
Why Abu Dhabi Is Offering Marriage Loans
Abdulla Al Ameri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, said the initiative reflects a firm government commitment to social cohesion: "This initiative underscores the Abu Dhabi Government's dedication to strengthening family cohesion and social bonds, fostering population growth among citizens, and facilitating the formation of stable families."
The programme is designed specifically to break the cycle of financial hardship among young people by helping couples secure the basic necessities needed to start married life. By reducing economic barriers to marriage, the ADSSA aims to encourage earlier family formation and support the UAE's long-term population sustainability goals.
Part of a Broader Social Welfare Strategy
The Marriage Loan Initiative sits within the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy, a comprehensive framework for social welfare and community stability in the emirate. The Emirati Family Growth Programme, under which the loan is offered, represents one of several pillars aimed at enhancing quality of life for families, youth, and parents across Abu Dhabi.
The launch of this scheme demonstrates the emirate's forward-thinking approach to addressing social needs while reinforcing cultural values around family and community.
