UAE President reaffirms 'shared values' for 2026's 'Year of Family'

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to supporting family bonds and shared social values as as a foundation for national growth.

In a message posted on social media, His Highness said the "Year of Family" underscores the country’s focus on enhancing unity, social cohesion and community wellbeing.

Sheikh Mohamed said it reflects a sustained effort to work in partnership with families and the broader community, with the aim of promoting lasting progress and development for all residents of the UAE.

“The UAE is determined to continue investing in efforts to achieve lasting progress and development for all those who call the UAE home,” he said.

The Year of Family was announced as part of a wider government drive to prioritise social development and wellbeing, with programmes and initiatives planned throughout the year to support family stability, child welfare, intergenerational ties and broader community engagement.

Officials said the designation will involve a range of activities, public campaigns and policy measures designed to strengthen the role of families in society and reinforce shared values as a source of national unity.

The initiative aligns with long-standing national strategies that place emphasis on quality of life, social cohesion and inclusive development, and is expected to complement other UAE priorities in education, health and community wellbeing.

With the launch of the Year of Family in the UAE, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to strengthening family bonds and shared values while advancing social cohesion as a source of national growth. Working in partnership with families and the broader community, the UAE is…

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) January 18, 2026