ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD) has officially opened registration for six new initiatives under the Numou Emirati Family Growth Program, aimed at promoting family growth and stability in line with the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy.

The programme offers comprehensive support to young Emiratis preparing for marriage, and newly formed families, reinforcing DCD's commitment to enhancing family cohesion and quality of life.

The announcement was made during a special event attended by government partners, media representatives, and senior officials. The initiatives, developed in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, and Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, provide an integrated approach to supporting families at various stages.

His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of DCD, said: "We are delighted to launch registration for the Numou initiatives, which underscore our dedication to building stable and cohesive families, the bedrock of a prosperous society. These initiatives offer practical solutions to support young Emiratis in overcoming economic challenges and achieving family stability."

Programme initiatives

Facilitated Marriage Loan:
Offers an interest-free marriage loan of up to Dh150,000 to support wedding expenses. Couples who have two children within the repayment period, and maintain family stability for at least five years, receive special benefits, such as partial loan forgiveness.

Maternity Leave Support for Women Working in Private Sector:
Allows Emirati women working in the private sector to receive extended maternity leave equal to that of government employees, giving new mothers time to care for their newborns, ensuring a healthy balance between work and family life.

Home Visit Service:
Provides personalised guidance and support for new parents, helping them navigate the early stages of parenthood, monitor the child’s growth and development, and promote overall family well-being.

Rental Assistance for Newlyweds:
Offers annual rental assistance of up to Dh75,000 for newlyweds for a period of two years, renewable for up to four years, to help them rent a home and start their new lives together with greater stability.

Loan Partial Deduction:
Grants a financial discount of up to Dh30,000 on housing loans upon the birth of the fourth and fifth child, and a discount of Dh40,000 for the sixth child, to alleviate financial burdens and support growing families.

Extending Housing Loan Repayment Period:
Allows married couples to extend their housing loan repayment period up to nine years when they have their fourth, fifth, and sixth child, reducing financial strain and enhancing long-term financial stability.

New Programme logo: A commitment to Emirati families
The event also unveiled a new logo for the Numou programme, named after the Arabic word for growth. This name and logo reflect the programme’s mission to support families at every stage of their journey, from marriage to raising children with authentic Emirati values. The design symbolises the growth and unity of families as they come together to form a cohesive community and contribute to a sustainable future.

Emirati citizens interested in the initiatives are invited to register through the Medeem online platform, where they can review eligibility criteria and submit applications. For more information, visit https://medeem.gov.ae