ABU DHABI: The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi held a strategic meeting with key stakeholders to evaluate the progress and implementation of the Emirati Family Growth Programme.
The session underscored collaborative efforts towards fostering family development and stability.
The programme, which is integral to the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy, was thoroughly reviewed under the leadership of Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the DCD. Dr. Al Khaili highlighted the programme’s alignment with the visionary goals set by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The initiatives are designed to uplift the living standards of citizens, emphasising the role of families as the core of a unified community.
Key figures such as Eng. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the DCD; Abdulla Al Ameri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority; Sana Mohamed Suhail, Director General of the
Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority; and Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, participated in the meeting. These leaders, along with other partners, are pivotal in the partner-driven approach to enhance family services.
Dr. Al Khaili praised the programme for enriching the government’s initiatives that focus on human welfare and supporting Emirati families in their growth and stability journeys. The programme also compliments the ‘Medeem’ initiative, which aids nationals in beginning their married lives on a positive note.
Eng. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri emphasised the critical need for ongoing coordination among the entities involved, to ensure service delivery is both efficient and impactful. “This programme marks a significant advance in our collective efforts to harmonise and elevate the quality of life across the community,” he noted.
The readiness of the entities to roll out the initiatives was confirmed, with an overview of the application process set to commence. T
he meeting also covered the operational frameworks and service delivery mechanisms to guarantee effective programme execution aligned with Abu Dhabi’s governmental directives.
The meeting also reviewed mechanisms for aligning the Emirati Family Growth initiatives with Medeem programmes, enabling young people to embark on married life with the necessary skills and resources, thereby contributing to the formation of cohesive families and furthering comprehensive and sustainable development in Abu Dhabi.
Details of each initiative, including eligibility and application guidelines, will be released in the forthcoming period, with application windows opening in September.
The DCD oversees the Emirati Family Growth Programme, implemented in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, and the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority.
The programme spans five years and includes key initiatives like the Facilitated Marriage Loan, Maternity Leave Support, Home Visit Servic
e, Rental Assistance, and extensions of Housing Loan Repayment Periods, aimed at enriching family life in Abu Dhabi.
Source: Emirates News Agency
