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UAE President reaffirms 'shared values' as Year of Family kicks off
The UAE is 'determined to continue investing in efforts to achieve lasting progress and development for all those who call the country home,' he said
- PUBLISHED: Sun 18 Jan 2026, 9:57 AM UPDATED: Sun 18 Jan 2026, 11:54 AM
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UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed commitment to "strengthening family bonds and shared values" in 2026, which was designated Year of the Family.
The UAE is "determined to continue investing in efforts to achieve lasting progress and development for all those who call the country home," he said. The country will work in partnership with families and the broader community, he added.
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In 2025, UAE rolled out five new rules to protect children and resolve family disputes faster. The regulations focused on family guidance counsellors, marital dispute arbitrators, visitation rights, affidavits and authentications, and Sharia marriage officers.
Strategic priorities
According to the Year of Family guide, 2026 will prioritise three main acts or behaviours:
Roots: Small, repeatable actions that reinforce healthy social norms and intergenerational continuity
Bonds: Everyday behaviours that strengthen family connection by making positive interactions more frequent
Branches: Clear guidance and accessible tools that help them navigate daily family challenges with confidence
Flexible work initiatives for parents
Looking ahead to 2026, different emirates implemented flexible policies to improve family stability. Ajman was at the forefront with a new Human Resources law that allowed government employees to avail flexible working hours and remote options. The emirate also allowed enhanced family leave provisions, along with additional flexibility for employees who are pregnant or raising five or more children.
Meanwhile, Sharjah and Dubai introduced paid marriage leave policies for public employees. Sharjah also introduced 'care leave', which is granted to female employees who give birth to a sick child or a child with disabilities requiring constant care.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi family court is known for its non-fault divorce process, and equal custody rights for both parents.
National task force
In late 2025, as the UAE President directed that 2026 be designated as the 'Year of the Family', a national task force was formed with over 20 government entities to focus on three aspects:
Policies and Programmes
Behavioural Interventions
Reproductive Health
Dh5-million fund launched for family-related content
During the 1 Billion Followers Summit, a Dh5-million fund was announced for content creators specialising in family and social themes.
The fund, to be launched by Creators HQ and Alfan, aims to encourage creators to relocate to the UAE. It will cover
Education and training
Advanced filming equipment
State-of-the-art production facilities
Social media platform support and brand deal opportunities
Poojaraj Maniyeri is a Digital Journalist who loves turning everyday conversations into news stories. She is also a typical bookworm, and brings a novel with her everywhere she goes.
