UAE Announces 2026 as Year of the Family to Strengthen Community Values

Post by : Raina Nasser

In a significant declaration, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has proclaimed 2026 as the Year of the Family, underscoring the nation’s steadfast commitment to family values as fundamental to a compassionate and robust society.

This announcement was made during discussions at the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, part of the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi. The initiative articulates the UAE's aim to bolster the significance of families in cultivating a resilient, cohesive community that flourishes on unity, empathy, and collaborative efforts.

The Year of the Family for 2026 will serve as a national emblem of the vital part that families play in shaping the country’s future. The initiative aims to enhance connections across generations and ensure that the Emirati values of care, respect, and social accountability are instilled in coming generations.

To spearhead this initiative, a national task force, comprising over 20 governmental bodies, has been established. This team will concentrate on three pivotal areas: policy formulation, behavioral insights, and reproductive health, all tailored to foster a supportive atmosphere that fortifies family life throughout the UAE.

Under the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, the government aims to improve programs and policies that promote family stability, work-life balance, and social welfare. By embedding these values into community development strategies, the UAE seeks to cultivate a society where every family is empowered to contribute meaningfully to the nation's enduring growth and success.

The Year of the Family 2026 will also include a range of national campaigns, educational initiatives, and cultural projects designed to highlight the significance of family unity. It will encourage collaboration among government entities, private organizations, and community groups to sustain and promote the UAE’s deep-seated traditions of harmony and mutual respect.

This progressive initiative showcases the UAE's aspiration to be a global paradigm for inclusive social development, valuing family unity as central to its advancement.