Sheikha Hind Family Programme Supervisory Committee charts course for enhanced family support
Dubai's new governance body reviews impressive progress on initiatives supporting Emirati families, with the Dubai Weddings scheme reaching nearly half of all nuptials in the emirate during 2026.
The Supervisory Committee for Initiatives under the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme convened for its inaugural meeting in Dubai, establishing a coordinated framework to advance support for Emirati families across multiple government agencies.
Chaired by Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, the Committee reviewed outcomes demonstrating substantial progress. The Dubai Weddings initiative has achieved particular prominence, accounting for 48 per cent of all Emirati weddings held in the emirate during 2026. Since its establishment, the broader programme has facilitated the formation of approximately 1,500 Emirati families, whilst providing financial assistance to 1,300 individuals and recording 472 births as a direct outcome of the wedding initiative through September.
The Committee membership comprises senior leaders from Dubai’s principal development institutions, including Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita from Dubai Municipality, Aisha Abdulla Miran from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Omar Hamad Bu Shehab from the Dubai Land Department, Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi from the Government Human Resources Department, and Mona Bajman from the Dubai Health Authority.
Discussion centred upon the Dubai Family-Friendly Strategy, an integrated framework designed to enhance quality of life and support stability and growth amongst Emirati families. The Committee prioritised strengthening coordination across government entities, aligning policies and services, and establishing robust mechanisms for monitoring implementation and measuring outcomes.
Ms Buhumaid underscored the Committee’s elevated remit, stating that success would be measured not merely by the volume of initiatives launched, but by their tangible impact upon family formation, stability and lived experience. She emphasised that the Committee’s responsibility extends beyond oversight to ensuring integrated responses to evolving family needs across different life stages.
The meeting witnessed the formalisation of strategic partnerships advancing the Dubai Weddings initiative. These include agreements with Dubai Health addressing reproductive health and wellness programmes; a memorandum of understanding with the Emirates Food Bank to maximise sustainable utilisation of surplus food from wedding events; and collaborative arrangements with the Esaad Card Centre of Dubai Police and Al Rais Travel, delivering financial and travel benefits to newly-married couples.
A notable achievement reflects the programme’s resonance with beneficiary populations, with satisfaction ratings reaching 99.5 per cent. The Committee established its strategic priorities within the framework of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, emphasising data-driven decision-making and integrated governance structures to ensure sustainability of family support mechanisms.
Source: WAM