Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to the growth and stability of Emirati households,the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayedon November 6 directed that 2026 be designated as the ‘Year of the Family’. This was announced during the ‘National Family Growth Agenda 2031’, attended by UAE President. It was held as part of the government’s annual meetings for the year 2025 in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of leaders and officials from federal and local authorities.
The initiative aims to raise awareness among citizens and residents across the UAE of the importance of maintaining strong, cohesive family ties, which are the fundamental building blocks of a resilient and prosperous society. It also seeks to promote the deeply rooted values of unity, empathy and cooperation that characterise Emirati society and ensure these values are passed on to future generations. As part of efforts to implement the agenda, a national task force has been formed comprising over 20 federal and local government bodies concerned with family growth. The agenda focuses on three main pathways: policies and programmes, behavioural interventions, and reproductive health.
The first pathway involves reviewing current policies and programmes that directly or indirectly impact family growth. The second focuses on understanding the social and behavioural drivers of family growth through on-the-ground interviews with Emirati families across the country. The third pathway reviews current reproductive health initiatives, identifies existing challenges, and explores ways to address them.
Commenting on the occasion, Mohamed bin Zayed stressed that the growth of Emirati families lies at the heart of the country’s identity, continuity, and national security. He noted that strong, stable families are essential to the UAE’s long-term prosperity, describing family growth as a national priority.
