ABU DHABI, 30th April, 2025 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council (EHCD), chaired the Council’s regular meeting, in the presence of H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairperson of the Council.
The meeting focused on critical national initiatives and policies designed to reinforce societal cohesion, particularly emphasising the Emirati family. Among the key discussions was the National Strategy for Emirati Family Growth.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed that the Emirati family growth is a top national priority for the leadership, underscoring the family’s vital role in advancing the UAE’s human and social development objectives. He noted that meaningful progress in this area requires strong coordination and unified efforts among all relevant entities at the highest levels.
"It is crucial that all involved institutions collaborate closely to adapt holistic national strategy about family growth and rising fertility rates, which empowers our youth to make confident marriage decisions, while also developing frameworks and programmes for providing health awareness to those about to get married in addition to conducting more research on reproductive and genetic health. This will foster greater family stability while contributing to forging sustainable population growth and healthy family life," Sheikh Abdullah added.
In line with that, Sheikh Abdullah approved the strategy developed by the Ministry of Family in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to drive Emirati family growth. The strategy outlines the development of a comprehensive national agenda to be adopted by all entities across various sectors - including social, health, economic, education, housing, and statistical sectors - each playing a critical role in achieving key targets.
The strategy also focuses on designing policies, programmes, and initiatives that aim to raise fertility rates through carefully studied, multi-dimensional approaches that address evolving needs.
He stressed the importance of intensifying and accelerating efforts, calling for enhanced collaboration between federal and local authorities, as well as educational and research institutions, to ensure that family-related policies and services are based on accurate data.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah further emphasised that such efforts must align with the country’s aspirations and support the broader goals of human and social development.
In turn, H.H. Sheikha Mariam said, "The growth of the Emirati family is a cornerstone of the nation’s development plans. This is a national commitment rooted in the deep belief that cohesive families are the primary source of values and the foundation of strong, thriving societies.
"The UAE is committed to supporting the youth, encouraging marriage, having children, and raising future generations in a healthy and nurturing environment, along with addressing the challenges that may hinder family formation and stability. These efforts focus on promoting a healthy balance between family and professional life, improving reproductive, psychological, and overall health, and increasing fertility rates."
Referring to the ongoing initiatives, she added that the Council is implementing a comprehensive vision that aligns the efforts of the Ministry of Family and the Social Sector Committee to develop programmes and initiatives that cater to the aspirations of Emirati families and evolve with societal changes. This will create a supportive ecosystem that strengthens family stability, reinforces national values, and nurtures educated, ambitious generations ready to shape our nation’s future.
Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, discussed the National Strategy for Emirati Family Growth, emphasising its three core pillars: policies and programmes, behavioural and community interventions, and data analytics and demographic modelling.
The meeting was attended by several key figures of the EHCD Council, including Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment; Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family; Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi; Jassem Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Department of Finance - Abu Dhabi; Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi; Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai; Hajer Ahmed Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the EHCD; and Ahmed Al Meel, Chairman of the Sharjah Social Services Department, along with a number of senior officials.