Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
In alignment with the declaration by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of 2026 as the Year of the Family, the Department of Community Development (DCD) – Abu Dhabi has revealed the key achievements of the Medeem Initiative and the Emirati Family Growth Programme, Numou.
Launched last year, these programmes are part of DCD’s ongoing efforts to strengthen family stability, support youth in building resilient families, and contribute to a prosperous society.
Within just one year, both Medeem and Numou have achieved a 16 percent increase in marriage contracts across Abu Dhabi, alongside a 41 percent reduction in wedding costs compared to traditional weddings.
This progress was driven by the organisation of 778 weddings following the Medeem Model for Women's Weddings, which accounted for 26 percent of all weddings held in Abu Dhabi this year.
These results reflect a growing awareness of the importance of sound marriage planning and healthy relationship skills.
The achievements also include the premarital programme at the Medeem Centre for Family Nurturing, which has served over 2,200 Emirati men and women since its establishment one year ago.
The programme equips participants with essential skills for stable family life, including social, psychological readiness, health education, and parenting skills.
On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, stated that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Family reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to strengthening the Emirati family.
“The family is the cornerstone of the UAE’s cohesive society and the foundation for human growth and national development. The social sector in Abu Dhabi places the stability and growth of Emirati families at the heart of its development agenda. Through targeted initiatives and programs, we empower youth to build strong and prosperous families, while also developing policies and drivers of empowerment that support family needs throughout all stages of life, ensuring family longevity and wellbeing.”
He further noted that Abu Dhabi has made significant strides in establishing an integrated social ecosystem that combines authentic Emirati values with forward-thinking strategies.
This system is supported by accurate data and insights that promote family stability, empower women and youth, and assist parents in fulfilling their roles as educators and active members of society.
He emphasised that both Medeem and Numou are practical models of innovative social policies, designed to meet the needs of young people and families by facilitating marriage, reducing financial burdens, and offering practical solutions that enhance family stability and quality of life.
The initiatives, he added, embody DCD’s commitment to turning strategic visions into tangible outcomes that positively impact people’s lives and ensure societal sustainability.
Her Excellency Dr Mona Al Mansoori, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority and the Executive Director of the Medeem initiative, stated that the outcomes reflect growing awareness among Emirati youth and families about the importance of proper family planning, which in turn strengthens social stability and upholds authentic Emirati family values.
She affirmed that Medeem and Numou have become national models for supporting the marriage journey and family formation. The initiatives offer an integrated framework of programmes and services that combine financial assistance, family counselling, and knowledge empowerment, all under a holistic vision aimed at achieving social wellbeing and sustainable stability for Emirati families.
Her Excellency said, “These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our integrated approach, which combines awareness programmes, comprehensive training, and innovative digital solutions. We remain committed to expanding these programmes and developing new services that respond to the evolving needs of families at every stage of their lives. This aligns with our leadership’s vision for a more connected society and the wellbeing of all Emirati families.”
