Abu Dhabi's new program: Emiratis to get marriage loans, longer maternity leave

Abu Dhabi announced longer maternity leave, marriage loans, and other financial support for new Emirati parents and newlyweds. The Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi (DCD) launched the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme, designed to foster a prosperous society by encouraging UAE citizens to marry, raise, and grow families.

The initiative was approved by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The new program aligns with the strategy to enhance family quality of life, with goals extending to 2028. It is set to commence next September.

The Emirati Family Growth Support Programme aims to develop work-life balance systems to support parents in raising their children and enable them to begin a stable family life.

Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Department of Community Development, said, “The family is the nucleus of society and the basic building block for its stability and sustainability, and our children are the pride, foundation, and the true wealth of the nation. Therefore, we encourage newly married young Emiratis and families to grow their numbers, because they play a vital role in achieving social stability and preserving national identity.”