Abu Dhabi is preparing to launch a comprehensive Youth Strategy in 2026 designed to support young families, encourage marriage, and reinforce extended family structures as a pillar of long-term social and economic stability.
Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD), said the strategy reflects the leadership’s commitment to empowering youth and easing the financial pressures associated with marriage and family formation. Speaking on the 100 Faces Podcast, Al Khaili noted that early indicators already show a decline in the average age of marriage among young Emiratis, following targeted interventions introduced this year.
The Youth Strategy, which is awaiting final review by the Abu Dhabi Government, is built around a cross-sectoral approach. All government entities will participate in its implementation, recognizing that youth issues extend beyond social policy to employment, healthcare, education, housing, and sports.
At the heart of the strategy are eight initiatives aimed at reducing marriage costs and supporting new families. These include mass weddings, the Madeem women’s wedding model, interest-free marriage loans, rental assistance for newlyweds, extended maternity leave, support services for new mothers, housing loan discounts, and longer housing loan repayment periods.
The Madeem initiative plays a central role by promoting affordable, culturally authentic wedding models that emphasize moderation in spending. Through partnerships with federal and local entities, the DCD also organizes mass weddings for men, addressing delayed marriage caused by high celebration costs.
Another cornerstone is the Emirati Family Growth Programme (Namo), which supports families throughout different life stages. Among its flagship offerings is a Facilitated Marriage Loan of AED 150,000, with AED 50,000 waived after five years if the couple has two children. Rental assistance of up to AED 75,000 is also available for newly married citizens earning up to AED 50,000 per month.
To enhance family wellbeing, Namo provides home visits offering emotional and psychological support to parents after childbirth. The programme also extends maternity leave for Emirati women in the private sector to 90 days, aligning it with the public sector.
Housing support forms a key economic incentive. Families with additional children can benefit from housing loan deductions or extended repayment periods, easing long-term financial commitments while encouraging family growth.
Approved in mid-2024 as part of the Abu Dhabi Family Quality of Life Strategy, the Namo programme is implemented in collaboration with multiple government entities. Together, these initiatives underscore Abu Dhabi’s broader vision: building cohesive families as a foundation for sustainable economic growth and social resilience across the emirate.
