UAE President Declares 2026 as ‘Year of the Family’

Speaking at the 'National Family Growth Agenda 2031' meeting in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed described family wellbeing as the foundation of the nation’s identity and future. 'The growth of the Emirati family is linked to our existence, our identity, and our national security,' he said.

To turn this vision into action, a national task force has been created, bringing together more than 20 federal and local government entities. Their work will focus on three key areas – reviewing current policies and programmes affecting family life, studying social and behavioural trends, and improving reproductive health initiatives to address existing challenges.

The President reaffirmed that family development is not the responsibility of one ministry alone but a shared national duty. 'The family is the foundation of any strong society,' he noted, echoing the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The newly established Ministry of Family will lead long-term strategies that promote family cohesion, preserve cultural values, and integrate support across health, education, housing, and media sectors.

Building on the 'Years of the Emirates' initiative launched in 2015, the 'Year of the Family 2026' will unite public and private institutions under one goal – to protect and strengthen the family as the cornerstone of the UAE’s enduring growth and identity.