What To Know
- Each year since 2016, the UAE has adopted a themed focus that guides national policies, initiatives, and projects across all seven emirates, and 2026 will shine a spotlight on the pivotal role of the family in society.
- He paid tribute to the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who viewed the family as a central pillar of a resilient society.
- Citizens and residents can expect a series of nationwide events, workshops, and campaigns designed to highlight the importance of family cohesion and reinforce its role as a foundation of prosperity and stability.
The United Arab Emirates has officially announced 2026 as the Year of the Family, highlighting the country’s commitment to strengthening family bonds and supporting long-term family growth. Each year since 2016, the UAE has adopted a themed focus that guides national policies, initiatives, and projects across all seven emirates, and 2026 will shine a spotlight on the pivotal role of the family in society.
Focus on Family Growth and Stability
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced the theme on November 6, emphasizing that the family is the cornerstone of Emirati society. The Year of the Family aims to foster unity, empathy, and cooperation, ensuring these values are maintained across generations.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted that strong families are vital for the UAE’s identity, continuity, and national security. He paid tribute to the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who viewed the family as a central pillar of a resilient society.
Policies and Initiatives to Expect in 2026
The themed year will shape events, government policies, and initiatives throughout the UAE. Following the Year of Community in 2025, 2026 will introduce family-centric programs designed to support families in multiple areas, including education, safety, and digital wellbeing.
A key initiative is the Federal Decree-Law on Child Digital Safety, which introduces:
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Age-verification mechanisms
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Age-restriction tools for online content
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Controls to block inappropriate material
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Guidelines for limiting targeted advertising to children
These measures aim to ensure that families can safeguard children while benefiting from digital innovation.
Strengthening Families Across the UAE
The Year of the Family 2026 aligns with the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, underscoring the UAE’s long-term vision for family wellbeing. Citizens and residents can expect a series of nationwide events, workshops, and campaigns designed to highlight the importance of family cohesion and reinforce its role as a foundation of prosperity and stability.
With this focused approach, the UAE continues to position itself as a global leader in family-oriented policies, ensuring that strong, supportive households remain at the heart of its national development.
