The United Arab Emirates is currently addressing a significant demographic shift: declining fertility rates among its citizens. This issue, highlighted during the opening session of the Federal National Council’s new term, has prompted a robust governmental response focused on bolstering families and ensuring sustainable population growth. The focus is on معدل الخصوبة (fertility rate), a key indicator of national well-being. Recent statistics reveal a downward trend, moving from 3.3 children per Emirati woman in 2019 to 3.1 in 2022, signaling the urgency of proactive measures.
The Declining Fertility Rate: A National Concern
Reports from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre demonstrate a clear decline in the معدل الخصوبة among Emirati citizens. While the rate stood at 3.3 in 2019, it decreased to 3.2 in 2020 and 2021 before reaching 3.1 in 2022. This trend is reflected in overall birth numbers as well. Emirati births peaked at 34,618 in 2014, marginally increased in 2015, then experienced a gradual decrease, arriving at 30,889 births in 2022. This decline isn’t happening in a vacuum; the UAE’s total population reached 12.50 million by December 2024, with citizens comprising 1.44 million and expatriates making up 11.6 million. Maintaining a balanced demographic is therefore a crucial national goal.
Government Initiatives to Boost Fertility
Facing this demographic challenge, the UAE government has prioritized fertility and reproductive health as a national concern. Recognizing the complex interplay of factors influencing family formation, the government is adopting a multi-faceted approach. This includes extensive legislative review and the development of a comprehensive national strategy.
The National Strategy for Fertility Enhancement
In June, the General Secretariat of the Federal National Council organized a preliminary forum, as part of the “Ithraa” (Enrichment) program, to discuss the government’s policy on enhancing fertility rates in the country. The Minister of Community Development, Sanaa Mohammed Suhail, announced the preparation of a unified national strategy to boost معدل الخصوبة, scheduled for official release before the end of the current year. She emphasized that this strategy would serve as a “roadmap for supporting Emirati family stability and achieving balanced and sustainable population growth.”
The strategy is built on three essential pillars:
- Policies and Programs: Targeting policies affecting fertility rates, supporting families, empowering women, and fostering a balanced work environment that facilitates work-life integration.
- Social Behaviors: Analyzing cultural and social factors impacting decisions related to marriage and childbirth, crafting initiatives to promote a positive image of family life.
- Data: Building accurate and unified databases to continuously evaluate the situation and provide decision-makers with evidence-based policies, utilizing clear indicators.
The National Agenda for Emirati Family Growth 2031
Further demonstrating its commitment, the UAE Cabinet approved the National Agenda for Emirati Family Growth 2031 in November. Launched during the annual government meetings, this agenda aims to enhance population growth by raising marriage and birth rates, and improving the quality of family life. It includes five key areas – positive mindset and behaviors, economic support, work-life balance, non-economic benefits, and reproductive health – with a series of national programs and initiatives already underway. These efforts complement existing programs aimed at family support.
Addressing the Root Causes: Beyond Statistics
Government reports acknowledge that tackling the issue of declining معدل الخصوبة requires a holistic vision that addresses the underlying causes, not just the symptoms. These causes are diverse, ranging from the escalating costs of marriage and establishing a household, to shifting social values, and the increased prominence of individualism in media portrayals.
Concerns also extend to the fear of marital responsibilities, the high expenses of weddings and household necessities, the burden of debt, and the influence of media content that often presents a negative or stressful depiction of family life. The topic of الزواج المبكر (early marriage) and its potential impacts on fertility and societal well-being has also surfaced as a key discussion point.
Recommendations from the Federal National Council
In January, the Health and Environmental Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council proposed a series of recommendations designed to address these challenges. These included:
- Increasing the financial grant provided to citizens for marriage.
- Simplifying the eligibility criteria for marriage and housing grants, removing obstacles hindering access for deserving individuals.
- Reviewing media production, particularly films and series, to counter the promotion of individualism and challenging perspectives on family formation.
- Mandating banks to offer affordable loans for couples planning to marry, incorporating flexible repayment terms considering retirees.
- Reviving the culture of extended family support, recognizing its role in assisting newly married couples, raising children, and alleviating economic and social pressures.
- Developing dedicated electronic applications to support families providing counseling and pre-marital advice alongside family dispute resolution assistance.
The UAE’s proactive approach to this demographic challenge demonstrates a long-term vision centered around investing in its citizens and safeguarding its future. By addressing the economic, social, and cultural factors influencing family decisions, and by promoting a supportive environment for building strong, stable families, the nation seeks to revitalize its معدل الخصوبة and ensure a thriving society for generations to come. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the implemented strategies, aided by accurate data analysis, will be vital to achieving the desired outcomes and adapting to the evolving needs of the Emirati population.
