UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. ARCHIVE

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2026 as the Year of the Family, underscoring the government’s renewed focus on family growth, cohesion, and values as key pillars of the nation’s development. Speaking during the Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (November 6), Sheikh Mohamed described the family as “a vital pillar of our nation’s future progress,” and officially launched the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, a long-term strategy aimed at reinforcing Emirati identity through family stability. “As a cornerstone of the community and the cradle of our shared values and identity, the family’s growth and stability are a collective priority and a shared national responsibility,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X. According to state news agency WAM, the 2031 Agenda will promote policies and campaigns focused on family cohesion, strong relationships, and reproductive health. A national task force — comprising more than 20 federal and local government bodies — has been formed to implement and evaluate family-related policies and behavioral programs. Sheikh Mohamed emphasized that addressing challenges to family growth requires “the participation of all corners of society,” not just the Ministry of Family. The UAE’s Government Annual Meetings also tackled topics such as artificial intelligence, tourism, humanitarian aid, and national industry. Concluding the sessions, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, reflected on the country’s unified vision: “We were brought together by shared priorities, unified goals, and common challenges. We take pride in our achievements and unite our efforts to build a better life for people in the emirates.” ICA/Expat Media
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