Dubai: The Ministry of Family and Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have signed a strategic partnership agreement to support the 'Family First' programme. This collaboration aims to enhance the transport system, public amenities, and infrastructure, contributing significantly to the improvement of both public and private urban spaces.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative is part of efforts to strengthen family stability and quality of life, aligning with the National Family Growth Agenda 2031. This agenda seeks to empower the Emirati family as a key component of development and social cohesion, reinforcing its role in creating a balanced and prosperous society for future generations.
The partnership represents a model of integration between social policy and urban planning, focusing on developing a family-friendly urban environment. It aims to incorporate family growth concepts into public transport services and urban development initiatives. The Ministry of Family is committed to translating family values into practical daily practices within urban settings, using innovative designs informed by behavioural science to enhance the ease of use and reassurance for families.
Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, stated that the partnership with RTA is a practical extension of the 'Family First' programme. It aims to expand its impact to transport and urban mobility, highlighting advanced institutional integration in UAE government performance. The collaboration seeks to embed the family as a national priority in urban planning.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasized RTA's dedication to working with strategic partners to deliver sustainable social impact. The collaboration aims to develop planning standards incorporating family growth concepts, enhancing Dubai's status as a model for human-centered urban planning. RTA is focused on ensuring that the transport system strengthens family stability and supports social cohesion.
RTA has implemented initiatives to improve the quality of life for various community segments, such as offering exemptions and discounts on transport fares and fees for senior Emiratis, students, and People of Determination. These efforts reflect RTA's commitment to equal opportunity and integrating all societal segments within the urban ecosystem.
The RTA also supports the Year of Family through initiatives like mass weddings for Emirati RTA employees and promoting home-based entrepreneurship. Additional measures include a mobile nursery service for female employees and producing digital content to reinforce the values of the Emirati family and national identity.