Hind bint Maktoum Allocates AED1.6 Billion for Housing Initiatives to Strengthen Family Empowerment in Dubai
Dubai: In a significant move coinciding with the Year of Family 2026, Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, spouse of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the launch of various initiatives aimed at enhancing social stability and empowering families in Dubai.
These initiatives are part of the second phase of the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, a comprehensive effort designed to support the growth and well-being of families in Dubai. The programme seeks to strengthen community values, improve quality of life, and promote a balanced work-life dynamic.
As part of these initiatives, Her Highness has directed the allocation of homes within the Wadi Al Amardi and Al Aweer projects, valued at AED1.6 billion. Additionally, an AED83 million grant will be provided to furnish the homes of beneficiaries, ensuring an efficient and transparent allocation process.
Community Halls and Infrastructure Development
Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum has also mandated the establishment of two community halls at a total investment of AED63 million. This includes a wedding hall for Emiratis in Al Aweer 1, valued at AED40 million, and the first outdoor events hall for Emiratis in Mushrif National Park, which is set at AED23 million. The design of the events hall will adapt to seasonal changes, allowing for year-round use.
The allocation of 830 homes in the Wadi Al Amardi and Al Aweer projects marks the largest distribution of ready homes to Emiratis since the inception of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment. This milestone highlights a significant expansion of the leadership’s directives aimed at promoting family stability and enhancing the quality of life for Dubai’s citizens.
These initiatives reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to create a unique development model focused on integrated projects that enhance social stability and empower Emirati families. This comprehensive ecosystem aims to balance high-quality housing, world-class infrastructure, and sustainable social welfare, further solidifying Dubai’s reputation as a leading city for quality of life.
Reinforcing Emirati Values
Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum emphasized that the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme continues to uphold the enduring values of Emirati families. This initiative aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which prioritizes family as a cornerstone of a cohesive and sustainable society.
Allocating homes within the Wadi Al Amardi and Al Aweer projects, valued at AED1.6 billion, is seen as a step towards strengthening social cohesion. This initiative introduces a comprehensive ecosystem that supports stability and empowers Emirati families, paving the way for future generations grounded in their identity and capable of contributing to national development.
Overview of the Al Aweer Project
The Al Aweer project consists of 398 modern housing units allocated as grants, with a total budget exceeding AED734 million. The design of the project harmonizes with the local architectural character and adheres to high standards of sustainability and community integration. It also allows for future expansion to accommodate family needs.
Supported by advanced infrastructure and modern road networks, the project includes essential community amenities such as public parks and majlis halls. Each housing unit features four bedrooms, a majlis, a living room, a modern kitchen, and utility rooms, all meticulously designed to ensure family comfort and stability.
Overview of the Wadi Al Amardi Project
The Wadi Al Amardi project comprises 432 housing units allocated as grants, with an approved budget of over AED767 million. The units are designed to meet the needs of Emirati families, offering flexible architectural models that prioritize privacy and facilitate future expansion.
Each residence includes four bedrooms, a majlis, a living room, a kitchen, and utility rooms. Dedicated outdoor spaces within each plot are designed to accommodate future extensions or the addition of service annexes as needed. This integrated design framework adheres to the highest standards of sustainability and quality of life.
New Halls for Weddings and Events
The second phase of the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme also includes the establishment of a new AED40 million wedding hall for Emiratis in Al Aweer 1. This hall, developed in partnership with the private sector, aligns with the Dubai Family-Friendly Strategy. It can accommodate around 500 people and serves over 60,000 Emiratis in the area. The hall aims to support youth planning to marry, facilitate weddings, reduce associated costs, and enhance family stability.
Additionally, the first outdoor events hall for Emiratis in Mushrif National Park, valued at AED23 million, will feature a versatile design that adapts to seasonal changes. This hall will provide families with various options to host celebrations in a natural setting. The initiative fosters collaboration between government entities and community institutions to promote sustainable family initiatives.
The Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to foster happy, connected, and value-driven families while doubling the number of Emirati families in the emirate by 2033.
Achievements of Phase 1 of the Programme
The launch of the second phase builds on the success of the first phase, which contributed to the formation of over 1,100 Emirati families in Dubai and facilitated 1,149 weddings since the programme’s inception. The Dubai Weddings programme, which covers the costs of the main wedding ceremony and provides wedding halls and neighbourhood majlises free of charge, has also seen notable growth. The number of weddings completed through the programme increased by 44% in 2025 compared to 2024, while participation rose by 43.5% last year.
The programme has positively impacted quality of life, with beneficiary happiness reaching 97%, and the number of newborns recorded at 136. More than 2,100 individuals have benefited from the awareness and training programmes offered by the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme. These include the ‘Start It Right’ programme, which provides awareness services on marital rights; the ‘Family Financial Literacy’ programme, which promotes sound financial planning; and the ‘How to Build Your Home?’ programme, aimed at raising awareness among couples regarding the steps involved in building a home.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section.
Published on 2026-04-25 23:27:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk