UAE Declares 2026 as Year of the Family to Promote Unity and Values

In a landmark announcement, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2026 as the Year of the Family, reaffirming the UAE’s unwavering commitment to family values as the cornerstone of a strong and compassionate society.

The declaration was made during a session on the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, held at the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi. The initiative highlights the UAE’s vision to strengthen the role of families in shaping a cohesive, forward-looking, and resilient community that continues to thrive on the principles of unity, empathy, and cooperation.

The Year of the Family 2026 will serve as a national reminder of the essential role that families play in building the country’s future. It aims to foster intergenerational connections and ensure that Emirati values of care, respect, and social responsibility are passed on to future generations.

To ensure the success of this initiative, a national task force comprising over 20 government entities has been established. This group will focus on three main areas: policy development, behavioural insights, and reproductive health, all designed to create a supportive environment that strengthens family life across the UAE.

Under the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, the government seeks to enhance programs and policies that encourage family stability, work-life balance, and social well-being. By integrating these values into community development strategies, the UAE aims to build a society where every family is empowered to contribute to the nation’s long-term growth and prosperity.

The Year of the Family 2026 will also feature a series of nationwide campaigns, educational programs, and cultural initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of family unity. It will encourage collaboration between government bodies, private institutions, and community organizations to uphold and promote the UAE’s deeply rooted traditions of togetherness and mutual respect.

With this visionary move, the UAE continues to position itself as a global model for inclusive social development — one that values family cohesion as the heart of progress.