The UAE has officially declared 2026 as the Year of the Family, and at its heart, the message is simple: strong families build strong societies.

Announced under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Year of the Family puts the spotlight on what has always been a cornerstone of life in the UAE, close-knit families, shared values and collective responsibility.

Far from being symbolic, the initiative is about recognising the family as the starting point of everything from social stability to national identity.

For decades, the UAE has placed people at the centre of development. Families here are not viewed simply as traditional units, but as spaces where values are shaped, identity is formed, and future generations are nurtured. That philosophy has guided national policies focused on wellbeing, education, healthcare and social protection.

Dispute resolution

Over the years, this approach has taken shape through modern family-focused legislation, updated personal status laws and dedicated dispute resolution centres designed to protect children, women and the elderly. Child protection remains a key priority, with laws like the Wadeema Law strengthening safeguards and ensuring the best interests of children are always front and centre.

The Year of the Family builds on this foundation and aims to accelerate progress. It will bring together government entities, the private sector and civil society to launch new initiatives, community programmes and research projects that support family life at every stage, from early childhood to parenthood and beyond.

Working parents support

Supporting working parents is also a major focus. Policies around flexible work, maternity and paternity leave, workplace nurseries and women’s empowerment continue to evolve, helping families balance modern life without compromising connection at home.

Housing, healthcare and education remain critical pillars too. From family-friendly neighbourhoods and green spaces to mental health services and early childhood development programmes, the UAE’s family-first approach is designed to improve quality of life in practical, measurable ways.

• The Year of the Family revolves around three key ideas:
  Roots, by strengthening values and intergenerational bonds;
  Connections, by encouraging communication and closeness at home, and
  Growth, by giving families the tools they need to thrive.

At its core, the message is clear: When families are supported, society grows stronger, the future of the nation becomes more secure.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has called on everyone across the UAE to come together on Saturday, January 17, by tuning in to the national media channels for a broadcast of the UAE national anthem at 11am.

Taking to social media ahead of the Day of Resolve, Sheikh Hamdan urged residents to reflect on the values that continue to unite the nation. “On January 17 each year, we reflect on the resolve, unity and solidarity shown by the people of the UAE, standing proudly behind their national flag to safeguard the country’s achievements and uphold its global standing,” he said.

adding that the anthem broadcast is an invitation for everyone in the country to renew their commitment to the UAE’s continued progress.

“We invite everyone across the UAE to follow our national media channels, which will broadcast the national anthem at 11am tomorrow, Saturday, as we renew our pledge and determination to continue advancing and elevating our beloved country.”

January 17 holds deep national significance for the UAE, marking a moment of collective strength, resilience and unity. The day commemorates the country’s steadfast response to the January 17, 2022, attacks on civilian infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, which claimed innocent lives and underscored the nation’s solidarity in the face of adversity.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has previously described January 17 as a day that reflects the UAE’s strength, resilience and unity, values that continue to define the nation today.

Residents are encouraged to pause at 11am on Saturday, wherever they are, to join in this nationwide moment of remembrance, pride and unity.

The UAE has announced a major change to salaries in the private sector, setting a new minimum wage of Dh6,000 for all Emiratis employed by private companies.

The update was published on the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) smart app and later confirmed in an official statement on X. The new minimum wage came into effect on January 1, 2026, requiring employers across the country to adjust eligible salaries to meet the new threshold.

According to MoHRE, the Dh6,000 minimum wage will apply to all services related to issuing, renewing or amending citizen work permits. Employers will no longer be able to print or submit any citizen work permit application if the registered salary is below the mandated amount.

Companies have been given a grace period to comply. MoHRE said establishments have until June 30, 2026, to adjust salaries, with enforcement measures set to begin from July 1, 2026, for those that fail to comply.

If salaries remain below Dh6,000 after the deadline, several penalties may be imposed. These include excluding the Emirati employee from counting towards Emiratisation targets and placing restrictions on the company that prevent the issuance of new work permits until salaries are corrected.

Previously, the minimum wage for Emiratis in the private sector was set at Dh5,000, making this a Dh1,000 increase aimed at strengthening job security and improving income levels for UAE nationals. MoHRE clarified that the revised wage applies only to citizen work permits with a two-year validity, whether newly issued, renewed or amended.

The ministry said employers will receive automated alerts via the MoHRE smart app and official service channels, reminding them of the updated requirement. The notification sent to companies clearly states that any application involving a salary below Dh6,000 will be blocked after January 1, 2026.

While the UAE has now set a minimum wage for Emiratis in the private sector, there is still no legally defined minimum wage for non-Emirati workers. However, the UAE labour law stipulates that wages must be sufficient to meet employees’ basic needs.

The move is seen as part of wider efforts to strengthen Emiratisation, support nationals in the private sector and encourage long-term workforce stability across key industries.