His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has praised the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Programme for its remarkable role in supporting Emirati families and strengthening the social fabric of the city.
Launched in 2023 by the Community Development Authority (CDA), the programme provides Emirati youth with vital support in areas such as housing, financial literacy, family education, and wedding expenses. In 2025 alone, over 700 weddings were held under its Dubai Weddings initiative, reflecting a 218% increase in participation compared to the previous year. These weddings made up 27.7% of all marriages registered in Dubai.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan highlighted how the initiative reflects a commitment to empowering the next generation and creating a stable foundation for society, and said, "We believe that investing in families is an investment in the nation’s future, and we will continue working to provide a wholesome environment that ensures well-being and stability for all".
Praising the participants of the programme, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan also said, "We commend the determination of the youth who have chosen to begin their family lives based on a clear foundation of awareness and responsibility, setting a proud example for a generation that knows how to shape its future through willpower, hard work, and initiative”.
Beyond weddings, the programme offers tailored courses on marital rights, financial planning and housing decisions. It also provides benefits such as full coverage of wedding costs when the ceremony is hosted in CDA-approved venues, priority housing options, exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services, and work-from-home options for newly-wed women.
With a 95% satisfaction rate, the programme continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of young couples, offering them the tools to build secure, fulfilling futures while strengthening the broader Emirati community.