ABU DHABI, 12th September, 2024 (WAM) -- The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD) has officially opened registration for six new initiatives under the 'Numou' Emirati Family Growth Programme aimed at promoting family formation and stability in line with the "Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy" and the UAE's visionary leadership.

The programme offers comprehensive support to young Emiratis preparing for marriage and newly formed families.

The announcement was made during a special event attended by government partners, media representatives, and senior officials.

The initiatives, developed in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, and Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, provide a holistic approach to supporting families at various stages.

Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of DCD, stated, "These initiatives offer practical solutions to support young Emiratis in overcoming economic challenges and achieving family stability."

Programme Initiatives:

Facilitated Marriage Loan Initiative: Offers an interest-free marriage loan of up to AED150,000 to support wedding expenses. Couples who have two children within the repayment period and maintain family stability for at least five years receive special benefits, such as partial loan forgiveness.

Maternity Leave Extension for Mothers Working in the Private Sector: Allows Emirati women working in the private sector to receive extended maternity leave equal to government employees, giving new mothers ample time to care for their newborns, ensuring a balance between work and family life.

Home Visit Service Initiative: Provides personalised guidance and support for new parents, helping them navigate the early stages of parenthood, monitor the child's growth and development, and promote overall family well-being.

Temporary Housing Support for Newlyweds: Offers annual rental assistance of up to AED75,000 for newlyweds for a period of two years, renewable for up to four years, to help them rent a home and start their new lives together under stable conditions.

Housing Loan Discount Initiative: Grants a financial discount of up to AED30,000 on housing loans upon the birth of the fourth and fifth child and a discount of AED40,000 for the sixth child to alleviate financial burdens and support growing families.

Extended Housing Loan Repayment Period: Allows married couples to extend their housing loan repayment period up to nine years when they have their fourth, fifth, and sixth child, reducing financial strain and enhancing long-term financial stability.

Home visits: This initiative aims to provide support and guidance to new mothers and fathers at home through periodic visits by specialists and professionals to family homes, to provide guidance and support for mothers and fathers, thereby contributing to the family's well-being, ensuring the safety of mothers and children and providing a healthy and safe environment for development.

The event also unveiled a new logo for the "Numou" programme, named after the Arabic word "Numou," which means growth.

Emirati citizens interested in the initiatives are invited to register through the Medeem online platform, where they can review eligibility criteria and submit applications.