Mansour bin Zayed Attends Historic Group Wedding Reception for Abu Dhabi Citizens at Qasr Al Hosn

On 25 December 2025, the iconic Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi became the backdrop for a landmark celebration that blended centuries‑old Emirati customs with the United Arab Emirates’ modern family‑centred policies. More than one hundred newly‑wed Emirati men, accompanied by their families, gathered for a mass wedding reception that was honoured by the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The event, organised by Majalis Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Department of Community Development’s “Medeem” programme, highlighted the UAE’s commitment to strengthening family cohesion as the nation prepares for the designated “Year of Family” in 2026.

Celebrating Heritage at the Oldest Stone Fortress

Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest stone building in the capital, provided a fitting setting for a ceremony that sought to revive traditional wedding rituals while showcasing contemporary state support. Traditional chants echoed through the courtyard, poets recited verses praising marital harmony, and a brief aerial display added a modern flourish. These cultural elements were deliberately chosen to evoke the collective memory of the Emirati people and to reinforce the values that have guided the nation since its founding.

The mass wedding reception featured 101 grooms and their families, creating a vivid tableau of community solidarity. The event’s visual narrative was amplified by the royal patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose endorsement underscored the administration’s broader strategy to place the family unit at the centre of the UAE’s social fabric.

“Medeem” Programme: Turning Policy into Practice

The “Medeem” initiative, launched by the Department of Community Development, aims to facilitate marriage among Emirati youth through financial assistance, counselling services and logistical support. By aligning the mass wedding with this programme, the authorities demonstrated a tangible commitment to translating policy into lived experience. Since its inception in 2022, the Medeem programme has assisted over 1,200 couples, providing grants that help cover wedding expenses, housing deposits and other essential costs.

Royal Presence and Its Symbolic Weight

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed’s attendance marked the first time the Vice President has joined a mass wedding of this scale. In a brief address to the assembled families, he offered heartfelt congratulations and stressed the event’s role in nurturing social cohesion. “When our young citizens embark on the journey of marriage, they also lay the foundations of a resilient society,” he said, echoing the administration’s narrative that family stability is inseparable from national development.

Officials from the Crown Prince’s Court, the Ministry of State, the Office of the UAE President and the National Anti‑Narcotics Authority were also present, illustrating cross‑ministerial support for initiatives that target the well‑being of Emirati families. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, publicly thanked President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for his unwavering support of youth and family programmes, noting that the President’s backing “provides both material resources and moral encouragement, ensuring that our younger generations can start their family lives with dignity and confidence.”

Policy Context: Preparing for the Year of Family 2026

The mass wedding was framed as a precursor to the upcoming “Year of Family”, a nationwide campaign slated for 2026 that will spotlight the pivotal role of families in the Emirates’ socio‑economic progress. The campaign is expected to include expanded housing subsidies for newly‑weds, enhanced parental‑leave policies, and community‑based educational workshops on marital health and child‑rearing.

By staging the ceremony at the start of the holiday season, the leadership aimed to embed the message of familial solidarity within the collective consciousness of the populace. The event also served as a showcase for the effectiveness of the Medeem programme, reinforcing the government’s promise to support Emirati youth as they transition into married life.

Key Initiatives Anticipated for 2026

• Increased housing grants for first‑time married couples.
• Extended maternity and paternity leave across both public and private sectors.
• Free marital counselling and parenting workshops delivered through community centres.
• Tax incentives for families that invest in education and health services.

Voices from the Ground: Gratitude and Hope

The grooms and their relatives expressed deep gratitude for the royal endorsement. One groom, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the President’s patronage “feels like a seal of approval for our future, reinforcing our resolve to build strong, stable households.” Another participant highlighted the practical benefits of the Medeem support, noting that the financial grant helped cover wedding expenses that would otherwise have been a burden.

Community leaders from Majalis Abu Dhabi described the event as a “living laboratory” for social policy, where the impact of state‑sponsored marriage assistance can be observed in real time. They also pointed out that the gathering fostered networking among families, creating a broader support system that extends beyond the immediate household.

Broader Implications for Emirati Society

The ceremony illustrates a strategic convergence of cultural preservation and socio‑economic policy. By leveraging a public, ceremonial format, the government not only celebrates tradition but also normalises state involvement in personal milestones—a move that can strengthen public trust in institutions.

Moreover, the event aligns with the UAE’s long‑term vision of diversifying its social safety net. As the nation continues its transition from an oil‑dependent economy to a knowledge‑based one, ensuring the stability of the family unit is viewed as essential for maintaining social order, encouraging workforce participation, and fostering a sense of national identity among a youthful demographic.

Critics, however, caution that financial incentives alone may not address deeper challenges such as housing shortages and employment volatility, which also influence marriage rates. Nonetheless, the coordinated approach—combining monetary aid, cultural celebration, and high‑level political endorsement—represents a comprehensive attempt to mitigate those obstacles.

Looking Ahead: A Template for Future Initiatives

As the United Arab Emirates prepares to launch its “Year of Family” in 2026, the mass wedding at Qasr Al Hosn stands as both a symbolic and practical milestone. It demonstrates how the leadership, through visible participation and policy alignment, seeks to embed the family at the heart of the nation’s developmental agenda.

The event also offers a replicable template for future initiatives across the Emirates’ other emirates and municipalities. By blending heritage, community engagement and governmental support, similar programmes could contribute to higher marriage rates, stronger intergenerational ties, and ultimately, a more cohesive society—outcomes that align closely with the vision articulated by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In the words of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, “Our families are the bedrock of our nation; when they thrive, the whole country prospers.” The celebration at Qasr Al Hosn, attended by the nation’s highest officials, was a vivid affirmation of that conviction and a clear signal that the UAE’s family‑centred policies will continue to shape the social landscape for years to come.