The Ministry of Family and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority have formalised a strategic partnership to advance the “Family First” programme, integrating family-centric concepts into transport systems, public amenities, and urban spaces.
The initiative aligns with the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, aiming to empower Emirati families and enhance social cohesion across the city.
The collaboration focuses on embedding family-friendly standards into public transport, road infrastructure, and urban planning. Projects will use behavioural science insights, visual cues, and design innovations to make mobility more accessible and reassuring for families of all segments.
Her Excellency Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, said the partnership represents a practical extension of the programme, expanding its reach to sectors that directly impact daily family life. She noted the move reflects advanced institutional integration and a commitment to positioning families at the centre of policy and development plans.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of RTA, highlighted the authority’s role in translating these goals into operational standards. Initiatives include safe and inclusive transport services, fare discounts for students and senior Emiratis, exemptions for People of Determination, and dedicated urban facilities to support family stability and ease of mobility.
RTA is also supporting the Year of Family with innovative projects such as a mobile nursery for female employees, mass weddings for staff, dedicated exhibition spaces at transport hubs for family businesses, and digital campaigns celebrating Emirati family values. More than 490 families have benefited from the In Safe Hands service, alongside the provision of 243 women-and-children cabins on public transit.
The “Family First” programme, initially implemented in Dubai, will gradually expand across the Emirates through partnerships with national entities, reinforcing the family as a cornerstone of sustainable development and a central pillar of Dubai’s urban planning strategy.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
