The Community Development Authority in Dubai has organised the 'Ibda'ha Sah' (Start It Right) programme under the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, as part of its efforts to strengthen family stability and equip those preparing for marriage with the knowledge and skills needed to build a stable and sustainable married life — in line with the objectives of the 'Dubai Social Agenda 33', which places the family at the heart of community development.
Dr Naema Al Shamssi, Director of the Family Development Department at the Authority, said that 'Ibda'ha Sah' embodies the Authority's approach of investing in the family as the fundamental building block of a cohesive and sustainable society. She noted that the Authority adopts a proactive approach centred on awareness and social prevention, by equipping those about to marry with the knowledge and skills that help them build stable family relationships capable of meeting future challenges.
She explained that the programme is part of broader efforts to promote family stability and support new families from their earliest stages, and targets beneficiaries of the 'Dubai Weddings' initiative as one of the requirements for accessing the service.
Dr Hala Al Ablam, Head of the Family Programmes Section at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, affirmed that the 'Ibda'ha Sah' programme reflects the Authority's commitment to developing quality initiatives that prepare those approaching marriage and empower them to build stable families capable of contributing to social cohesion.
She said the programme represents the final preparatory phase within the 'Dubai Weddings' initiative and forms part of its eligibility requirements, adding that the Authority has continuously developed its content based on previous experience and the needs of beneficiaries.
She explained that the programme was previously delivered over one day for men and one day for women, but has since been expanded to two days for men and two days for women, following the broadening of the training package and the addition of new topics addressing the challenges and changes facing modern families.
She added that through this programme the Authority ensures participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate all aspects of married and family life, driven by the belief that investing in family-building represents an investment in the sustainability and well-being of society. The training package covers multiple psychological, social, and family dimensions, including readiness for married life, a plan for the first 100 days of marriage, and building successful family relationships.
Al Ablam noted that the programme gives special attention to the legal rights and duties of spouses, in cooperation with the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, contributing to raising the awareness of those approaching marriage about their family responsibilities and rights. The programme also includes a dedicated module on the psychological characteristics of men and women, aimed at helping each party understand how the other thinks and the most suitable ways to communicate with them.
On reproductive health, Al Ablam explained that the programme is delivered in cooperation with Dubai Health and the Dubai Fertility Centre, where participants learn about key habits and practices that may affect fertility and reproductive health.
She added that the programme also covers financial literacy and saving, in cooperation with National Bonds, with the aim of establishing concepts of financial planning and sound resource management from the very start of married life.
Alya Al Muhairi, Digital City Consultant at the Dubai Digital Authority, said that a session on digital balance in modern life highlighted the importance of conscious and balanced use of technology amid rapid digital transformation, and its role in influencing the nature of marital and family relationships.
She said technology has become an essential part of the details of daily life — encompassing mobile phones, social media, electronic games, and various digital platforms — which makes it necessary to strengthen digital literacy among those approaching marriage and among families, ensuring they benefit from its advantages while preserving the quality of family communication and human relationships.