UAE declares 2026 the Year of the Family - focusing on growth and stability, insha'Allah
Assalamu alaykum - The UAE has announced that 2026 will be the Year of the Family, after President Sheikh Mohamed declared the coming year will be devoted to strengthening family growth and stability.
Like many countries, the UAE is seeing falling birth rates and an ageing population, which could mean fewer working-age citizens to support the economy. Government figures show the Emirati birth rate fell about 11% between 2015 and 2022, and the number of Emiratis aged 60 and over is projected to rise significantly by 2050. This trend has prompted a national response.
To raise awareness and celebrate family values, the government plans initiatives and partnerships with citizens, residents, and private sector partners. The Year of the Family 2026 will connect with the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, which aims to place the Emirati family at the heart of development, social balance, and sustainability.
“The National Family Growth Agenda 2031 represents a comprehensive national commitment that reflects the leadership’s belief that family is the centre of human development and driver of the nation’s progress,” said Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice. The agenda seeks to support stable, prosperous families and empower them across social, economic, psychological, and educational areas.
In a message, President Sheikh Mohamed emphasised that the family is the foundation of the community and the keeper of shared values and identity. “The family’s growth and stability are a collective priority and a shared national responsibility,” he said.
A national task force will prioritise policies and programmes to encourage family growth and run awareness campaigns on reproductive health. Sana Suhail, Minister of Family, has said improving fertility rates is a major priority and that the UAE sees an opportunity to lead by putting family at the centre of policy in modern ways that preserve Emirati identity. A first phase of a national assessment has begun and several government agencies are contributing to the strategy.
The UAE has used themed national years before - from the Year of Innovation to the Year of Tolerance and others focused on sustainability and community. While 2025 is the Year of Community, 2026 will shift attention specifically to family-focused national goals.
May Allah bless efforts that strengthen families and protect the next generations. Wa salaam.
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