Dubai Ruler visits New Economy Academy
Three more cohorts to join Sheikha Hind’s family stability initiative
DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the New Economy Academy to review a range of programmes designed to enhance the economic, financial, and entrepreneurial skills of Emirati citizens.
He was accompanied by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs.
The visit included attendance at a session of the Family Financial Literacy Program – Dubai: How to Build Financial Stability for Your Family, held as part of the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program. The initiative was launched by Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
“Our goal is to see every Emirati household enjoying family cohesion, financial stability, and greater awareness of the future and its tools,” said the Dubai Ruler during the visit.
Mohammed bin Rashid visits the New Economy Academy and attends a session titled ‘Family Financial Literacy Program – Dubai: How to Build Financial Stability for Your Family,’ organized by the Community Development Authority in collaboration with the academy, as part of the Hind… pic.twitter.com/8EgfY136qJ
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 30, 2025
Focused training
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by Dr Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy, on a series of academic programmes supporting the economic empowerment of UAE nationals. The academy’s offerings include Financial Awareness, Entrepreneurship, Capital Markets, Real Estate Pathway, and Homebuilding Pathway. These courses are designed to build citizens’ resilience to fast-changing economic landscapes and equip them with the tools needed for informed financial management and planning.
In addition to reviewing the academy’s curriculum, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also received an overview of the ‘Family Financial Literacy Program – Dubai’, developed in collaboration with the Community Development Authority. The programme provides training to families across financial and social domains to strengthen household stability and support long-term wellbeing.
Programme milestones
Since its inception, the programme has graduated 175 families over three cohorts. An additional three cohorts are scheduled to participate in the near future. The initiative also aligns with broader directives by Dubai’s leadership to bolster Emirati family life through sustainable financial practices and community-based education.
Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, highlighted that the initiative is part of a strategic push to reinforce Emirati family cohesion by improving financial awareness. She stressed the role of economic empowerment in enabling stable, self-sufficient households.
Support for newlyweds
The training modules are closely linked to the Dubai Weddings initiative, launched by the Community Development Authority in January 2024 under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. The initiative provides financial relief to Emiratis preparing for marriage by covering costs related to wedding halls and majlis venues, helping newlyweds begin their journey without unnecessary financial strain.
The financial literacy sessions are delivered through expert-led lectures and workshops. Contributors include the New Economy Academy, the General Pension and Social Security Authority, Al Etihad Credit Bureau, and the Community Development Authority.
Holistic approach
The training programme is structured around integrated tracks focusing on financial, psychological, and social wellbeing. It introduces participants to budgeting, savings, debt avoidance, financial goal setting, and retirement planning. Couples are trained to manage financial stressors such as job loss or medical emergencies and to develop strategies for maintaining long-term financial equilibrium.
Beyond basic financial literacy, the programme also covers investment strategies, wealth-building techniques, and smart resource allocation. Participants learn constructive communication methods to resolve financial disputes and foster shared financial responsibility.
The initiative ultimately aims to empower citizens with a roadmap for secure and confident decision-making, helping Emirati families navigate their financial futures with clarity and purpose.