Did you know that an average wedding in Abu Dhabi can cost up to 200,000 AED? Surprisingly, that’s just for a mid-range event. Some weddings can even reach 1 million AED. For many, this is unattainable, even with their life savings. 

That’s why the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority introduced the “Marriage Loan” initiative to help make dream weddings of young adults a reality. Moreover, it reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to supporting family growth and strengthening community ties.

In this blog, we will explore what the “Marriage Loan” initiative means for Emirati residents, the requirements to apply for it, and the public response to it. 

Interested? Let’s explore this further!

What Is The Marriage Loan initiative?

The Marriage Loan initiative, launched by the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (SSA), is now offering interest-free loans of up to 150,000 AED to citizens planning to marry. This project is part of the Emirati Family Growth Programme.

“This initiative underscores the Abu Dhabi Government’s dedication to strengthening family cohesion and social bonds, fostering population growth among citizens, and facilitating the formation of stable families,” says Abdulla Al Ameri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority.

He further explains that the scheme is designed to support soon-to-be-married couples, helping them start their married life with a stable financial foundation.

The marriage loan application process will begin in early September 2024, and couples getting married within the next six months are eligible to apply. 

Requirements For Application

There are mainly 5 requirements that the couple needs to meet to pass the eligibility criteria for how to get a marriage loan:

1. The husband needs to submit the application.
2. Both spouses must meet the age requirement: husband at least 21, wife at least 18.
3. The husband must possess a Family Book issued by Abu Dhabi.
4. The husband’s monthly income should be below 60,000 AED.
5. The couple needs to apply via the Medeem Digital Platform.

What Are The Religious Implications?

The national religion of the UAE is Islam, and the initiative aligns with this. It adheres to Islamic regulations by being completely interest-free, in accordance with Sharia law.

It is because Islam forbids charging interest (known as riba) at all costs. Hence, by offering a marriage loan with no interest, the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority makes sure that it adheres to these religious principles, helping couples without adding extra financial pressure. 

This approach shows a commitment to ethical finance and ensures that financial support is fair and accessible while also respecting Islamic values.

Public Response

The news is fairly recent, so many people are curious about the details of how to get a marriage loan. Some are inquiring about the number of instalments required to repay the marriage loan, while others wonder if any conditions might change. Overall, the response has been positive.

However, a few people suggest converting the loan for marriage purposes into a grant to simplify and ease the situation for young couples, especially considering the current economic climate.

Despite these concerns, the news is well-received, and many are eagerly awaiting the opening of the application process.

More Information About The Marriage Loan

To provide a clearer picture of the initiative, let’s delve into the requirements that applicants must meet to receive the loan for marriage purposes:

• Family Book: This official document verifies the family’s residency and status in the emirate, serving as essential proof of eligibility for the marriage loan.
• Medeem Digital Platform: The application process is conducted through the Medeem Digital Platform. 

Medeem is an online portal managed by the Abu Dhabi government that streamlines various services and applications. It will now allow applicants to efficiently submit their loan application letter for marriage and manage their application status.

If you’re interested in applying for a personal loan for marriage, make sure to download the Medeem app and have your Family Book ready before the application intake opens to ensure a smooth application process. 

For those looking to simplify the wedding planning process, Easy Wedding Dubai help you plan out your wedding and sort out all the complications in the process. 

About Abu Dhabi SSA & Emirati Family Growth Programme

The Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (SSA) is a government office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, established in 2008. It provides financial support to low-income Emirati families in Abu Dhabi.

Additionally, the SSA offers programs to help families become more financially independent, such as job training and financial literacy courses. Its role extends to supporting broader societal goals, including population growth and family stability.

Aligned with these objectives, the Emirati Family Growth Programme was launched as part of the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy. This relatively recent initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision for Emirati families. 

These initiatives by the Emirati government play a pivotal role in promoting early marriages and long-term family stability.

The Final Verdict

There’s no doubt that the Abu Dhabi Marriage Loan initiative is a positive step toward providing families with a stable start to their married lives. The initiative is more than just a financial boost—it’s a strategic investment in the future of Emirati families. 

As the program unfolds, it is anticipated that it will have a positive impact on the lives of countless Emirati couples, enabling them to start their married lives on a solid financial footing. We’re eager to see how this initiative progresses and how many couples it will support. 

Planning your wedding? Easy Wedding Dubai can help you navigate the planning process and handle all the details, ensuring a stress-free and memorable wedding experience. Contact them today to make your dream wedding a reality!