Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum directs second phase of family programme, allocating homes and community halls worth AED1.7 billion.
In a move timed to the UAE’s Year of Family 2026, Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum—wife of Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum—has ordered the launch of a sweeping package of initiatives aimed at strengthening social stability and empowering Emirati families in Dubai. The package, part of the second phase of the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, includes 830 newly built homes, furniture grants, and two dedicated community halls, representing the largest single allocation of ready housing for Emiratis since the creation of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment.
Housing Allocation and Furnishing Grants
The centerpiece of the initiative is the distribution of 830 homes across two projects: Wadi Al Amardi (432 units, valued at AED767 million) and Al Aweer (398 units, valued at AED734 million). Combined, the properties are worth AED1.6 billion. Each residence offers four bedrooms, a majlis, living room, modern kitchen, and utility rooms, with designs that prioritize privacy and allow for future expansion.
To ensure families can move in without delay, Sheikha Hind also directed an AED83 million grant to furnish beneficiaries’ homes. Officials say the updated allocation process emphasizes efficiency and transparency.
Community Halls for Weddings and Events
Two new event spaces are also part of the package:
- A wedding hall in Al Aweer 1 (AED40 million) can accommodate around 500 guests and will serve over 60,000 Emiratis living in the area. Developed in partnership with the private sector, the hall supports the Dubai Family-Friendly Strategy by reducing marriage costs and encouraging youth to marry.
- An outdoor events hall in Mushrif National Park (AED23 million)—the first of its kind for Emiratis—features a design that adapts to seasonal changes, allowing year-round use for celebrations in a natural setting.
Building on Phase 1 Success
The second phase follows strong results from the programme’s first phase, which helped form more than 1,100 Emirati families and organized 1,149 weddings. In 2025 alone, weddings completed through the programme jumped 44% compared to 2024, while participation rose 43.5%. Marriage contracts increased 13.9%, and 97% of beneficiaries reported being happy with the programme’s impact on their quality of life.
More than 2,100 people participated in awareness and training programmes, including “Start It Right” (marital rights and communication), “Family Financial Literacy” (budgeting and resource management), and “How to Build Your Home?” (construction guidance for couples).
Broader Vision and Next Steps
The initiatives align with Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to double the number of Emirati families in the emirate by 2033 by fostering happy, connected, and value-driven households. Sheikha Hind described the programme as a continuation of Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to place the family at the center of national priorities, calling it “the cornerstone of a cohesive and sustainable society.”
For Emirati families in Dubai, the announcement signals a tangible step toward more affordable housing, reduced wedding costs, and stronger community infrastructure—all designed to make Dubai the world’s best city for quality of life. Eligible residents can expect further details on application procedures through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment in the coming months.