Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 27 July 2026 The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, in conjunction with the “Year of the Family” and as part of ongoing efforts to support the stability of Emirati families and enhance their quality of life. The MoU aims to strengthen government integration in support of the “Dubai Weddings” initiative, which falls under the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme.
The agreement was signed on behalf of GDRFA Dubai by His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, and on behalf of the Community Development Authority by Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, in the presence of Sheikha Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Jarman, Executive Director of the Social Development Sector, along with several officials from both entities.
The partnership will see the provision of the Happiness Card, offering a range of exclusive benefits and services to Emiratis preparing for marriage, contributing to strengthening Emirati family stability in line with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to build stable families and enhance quality of life.
Under the MoU, GDRFA Dubai will provide the Happiness Card free of charge to beneficiaries of the Dubai Weddings initiative, enabling them to enjoy a wide range of offers, discounts, and exclusive benefits.
This partnership reflects GDRFA Dubai's ongoing commitment to expanding the impact of its community-focused services and strengthening collaboration with government entities to develop joint initiatives that enhance quality of life and contribute to building a more cohesive and sustainable society.
Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, emphasized that "the partnership reflects the importance of government integration in developing innovative solutions that strengthen the stability of Emirati families and support young Emiratis as they embark on building their families by expanding the scope of support and benefits available to citizens preparing for marriage."
Commenting on the partnership, His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said:
"Government partnerships today go beyond the traditional concept of cooperation; they serve as platforms for developing integrated solutions that create a tangible impact on people's lives while enhancing the efficiency of government efforts in achieving national priorities. Guided by this vision, our partnership with the Community Development Authority to support the Dubai Weddings initiative reflects our commitment to leveraging our services and institutional initiatives to support Emiratis preparing for marriage by providing meaningful benefits that enrich this important stage of their lives. We believe that the true value of government services lies not only in their efficiency but also in their ability to create a lasting positive impact that touches people's lives, contributes to building a more cohesive society and a higher quality of life, and supports the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and Dubai's vision, which places people and families at the heart of its development journey."
During the signing ceremony, the Happiness Card was presented to two newly married couples whose wedding dates coincided with the signing of the agreement, in a gesture reflecting the community-oriented values upheld by Dubai Government entities.
The Happiness Card is one of the services offered by GDRFA Dubai to enhance quality of life. Under the agreement, the card will be provided to beneficiaries of the Dubai Weddings initiative in accordance with the approved procedures, enabling them to benefit from the programme's privileges, offers, and discounts.
The partnership also includes awareness campaigns to introduce beneficiaries to the card's features and how to make the most of its benefits.
This partnership embodies GDRFA Dubai's commitment to advancing an integrated government model that places people and families at the heart of its priorities by expanding the range of services and benefits available to Emiratis preparing for marriage and enhancing the long-term impact of the Dubai Weddings initiative. It supports the establishment of stable families and further reinforces Dubai's position as a global model for quality of life and community development.
