The UAE has officially declared 2026 as the Year of the Family, a year dedicated to reinforcing the importance of family as the foundation of society. On November 6, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made the announcement, highlighting how families play a vital role in the UAE’s prosperity and long-term stability.
Since 2016, the country has introduced an annual theme, with each year guiding national policies, initiatives, and events. Now, 2026 will shine a spotlight on family values: unity, empathy, and cooperation, which are deeply ingrained in Emirati culture, and ensure that these values continue to thrive for future generations.
Sheikh Mohamed also pointed out that the strength of Emirati families is essential to the UAE’s identity, continuity, and national security. He referenced the vision of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who always saw families as the cornerstone of a strong, resilient society.
2025 was announced as the Year of Community in the UAE, which led to many initiatives like free entry to Al Ain Zoo for seniors, the launch of My Dubai Communities platform, and an open call for creators to submit designs for Eid Al Etihad merchandise. Similarly, 2026 will introduce a variety of family-focused initiatives and events.
Stay tuned as we get closer to 2026, with more updates and events planned throughout the year.
