New programme by Al-Futtaim brings families closer across UAE
Year-round activities designed to enhance family connections
DUBAI – Al-Futtaim has announced the launch of its One Family initiative, a nationwide programme aimed at strengthening family bonds and enriching communities across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Introduced in alignment with the country’s Year of Family, the initiative brings together a wide range of curated experiences designed to encourage meaningful connections.
Developed in partnership with the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, the programme places family wellbeing and shared experiences at its core.
One Family
The One Family initiative spans Al-Futtaim’s diverse portfolio, integrating offerings across retail, automotive, real estate, health, financial services, and its education division.
Family isn't just who you're born with. It's the life you build together.
— Al-Futtaim (@alfuttaim) April 22, 2026
And in the UAE, that life is something special.
This nation was built on the belief that when people come together, across cultures, across generations, across stories, something extraordinary happens.… pic.twitter.com/0Lu9ZE2VZP
Through a structured calendar of events and activities, the programme seeks to create accessible opportunities for families to spend time together while fostering a deeper sense of connection within communities.
Central to the initiative is the Blue lifestyle app, where a dedicated One Family pass provides streamlined access to benefits and experiences.
Family focus
The programme has been designed to embed family-centric activities into everyday life, making shared experiences more frequent and accessible. By encouraging participation in simple yet meaningful engagements, the initiative aligns with broader national efforts to promote family cohesion. It supports positive behaviours that strengthen relationships and integrates these into daily routines.
Mira Al Futtaim, Chief Future Education Officer at Al-Futtaim Education Foundation and Chairwoman of Emiratisation at Al-Futtaim, highlighted the significance of the initiative in reinforcing long-standing values. She noted that families remain central to the Group’s identity and that the programme reflects a continued commitment to fostering shared experiences. She added that Al-Futtaim has played a role in family life for more than 90 years, contributing to how families live and grow within their communities.
Strategic partnership
The collaboration with the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment is positioned as a key driver in expanding the programme’s reach and impact. As part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, DFRE plays a central role in shaping initiatives that enhance quality of life across the emirate.
Ahmed Al Khaja, Chief Executive Officer of DFRE, said the partnership supports Dubai’s broader vision of strengthening families and communities. He emphasised that initiatives such as One Family create more opportunities for meaningful interactions by bringing together experiences across multiple sectors, including retail, leisure, wellbeing, and education. The programme, he noted, contributes to positioning Dubai as a city that prioritises inclusivity, shared experiences, and family-oriented living.
Activities ahead
The initiative introduces a dynamic, year-round calendar featuring a variety of activities tailored to different aspects of family life. These include leisure and entertainment experiences such as family-focused events at Al-Futtaim destinations, as well as practical services aimed at enhancing safety and wellbeing.
Among the offerings are child-seat safety sessions designed to promote awareness and best practices, alongside free health screenings provided through HealthHub. Seasonal campaigns will also form a key part of the programme, including back-to-school initiatives that support families during key periods of the year. Educational components such as parent-focused talks on digital safety are expected to provide additional value, addressing contemporary challenges faced by families.
Each activity is structured to encourage shared participation, enabling families to engage in experiences that are both practical and enjoyable. The approach reflects a broader effort to integrate moments of connection into everyday routines, in line with the objectives of the Year of Family.
Rooted in a legacy that dates back to the 1930s, Al-Futtaim’s latest initiative builds on decades of engagement with communities across the region. From its origins as a trading business, the Group has evolved into a diversified organisation operating in more than 20 countries across the Middle East, North Africa, the CIS, and Asia. Today, Al-Futtaim employs over 40,000 people and represents a portfolio of more than 200 international brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE, and Marks & Spencer. Its operations span key sectors such as automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health, reflecting a comprehensive approach to serving customers and communities.
The One Family initiative reinforces the Group’s ongoing commitment to enriching everyday life. By integrating its wide-ranging capabilities into a single programme, Al-Futtaim aims to create a cohesive platform that supports families while strengthening community ties. The initiative also reflects the company’s focus on long-term value creation, supported by digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and a continued emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility.