President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2026 as the “Year of the Family,” emphasizing that strong families are the foundation of a resilient and prosperous nation. Speaking at the closing day of the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, the President described the family as a “vital pillar of our nation’s future progress” and launched the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, a long-term strategic plan to strengthen family structures and values across the Emirates.
“The National Family Growth Agenda 2031, launched today, sets out a long-term strategic vision that recognises the family as a vital pillar of our nation’s future progress,” Sheikh Mohamed said on X. “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.”
The new agenda will prioritize three key areas: policies and programmes, behavioural interventions, and reproductive health. A national task force, comprising over 20 federal and local entities, has been established to review existing initiatives, address social motivations affecting family growth, and update reproductive health strategies to support sustainable demographic development.
Sheikh Mohamed highlighted that family growth and stability are not only linked to social well-being but also to national identity, culture, and security. He noted that the Ministry of Family was created to lead national efforts in reinforcing values, education, and traditions, while also calling for joint action from all segments of society to strengthen the Emirati family.
This year’s Government Annual Meetings also covered key sectors such as artificial intelligence, the economy, national industry, tourism, and humanitarian efforts. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, commended the collaborative spirit of the summit, saying, “We were brought together by shared priorities, unified goals, and common challenges. We unite our efforts and energies to build a better life for people in the Emirates.”