Federal National Bank Strengthens Initiatives for the Year of the Family Celebration

UAE Declares 2026 “Year of the Family,” Signaling National Focus on Unity and Cohesion

Abu Dhabi, UAE – November 30, 2025 – The United arab Emirates is preparing for a nationwide initiative focused on strengthening family values, as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, has decreed 2026 as the “Year of the Family.” The proclamation has sparked a “full alert” within Emirati society, according too Her Excellency Maryam Majid Khalfan bin Thaniah, Second Vice-President of the Federal National Council (FNC) and president of the Parliamentary Forum for Women in the Mediterranean Parliament.

Speaking at Dr. Ibrahim Galadari’s council during a national dialog session titled “Union and family,” Bin Thaniah emphasized the directive’s meaning in consolidating values of unity and interdependence. She highlighted the FNC’s commitment to translating these directives into concrete legislative and oversight plans, aligning with the “National Agenda for Family Growth 2031” recently reviewed at the annual meetings of the UAE government in Abu Dhabi.

“This is in furtherance of the goals of the national agenda for the growth of the Emirati family, and to consolidate society’s awareness of the importance of maintaining family cohesion and strong family relations,” Bin Thaniah stated, adding that the initiative will be “the core of the work of the Federal national Council” in its current session.

Bin Thaniah underscored the FNC’s role as a vital link between the government and the people, emphasizing the importance of national dialogue councils like Dr. Galadari’s in gathering societal opinions and translating them into effective legislation. She described the UAE as a “large council” where leaders engage directly with citizens, a tradition rooted in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The announcement comes during a period of national party, coinciding with the anniversary of the UAE’s founding, providing an opportune moment to “draw inspiration from the establishment of the Union” and reinforce the foundational values of unity.

Bin Thaniah also shared insights into her role as President of the Parliamentary Forum for Women in the mediterranean Parliament, noting the UAE’s pioneering approach to women’s empowerment through the FNC is widely praised internationally. The high portrayal of Emirati women within the council serves as a model for other participating parliaments.

The “Year of the Family” initiative signals a renewed national commitment to prioritizing the family unit as the cornerstone of Emirati society and future progress. Further details regarding planned programs and initiatives are expected to be announced in the coming months.

How does FNB’s expansion of mortgage offerings specifically address the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers?

Supporting Families Through Financial wellness Programs

Federal National Bank (FNB) is significantly bolstering its commitment to families during the nationally recognized “Year of the Family” celebration. This initiative isn’t just about symbolic gestures; it’s a complete strategy focused on providing tangible financial resources and support to families across all income levels. The bank’s expanded programs aim to address key areas of financial need, from homeownership and education savings to responsible credit management and retirement planning. these efforts align with broader national goals to strengthen family units and promote economic stability.

Enhanced Mortgage Options for First-Time Homebuyers

A cornerstone of FNB’s family-focused strategy is the expansion of its mortgage offerings. Recognizing the challenges first-time homebuyers face,notably in today’s market,the bank has introduced several new programs:

* Low Down Payment Mortgages: Options requiring as little as 3% down,making homeownership more accessible.

* Fannie Mae Partnerships: Leveraging relationships with organizations like Fannie Mae (Federal National mortgage Association) to offer competitive rates and flexible terms. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fannie_Mae

* Homebuyer Education Workshops: Free workshops covering the entire homebuying process, from credit planning to closing costs. These workshops are available both online and in-person.

* Down Payment Assistance Programs: Guidance and resources for identifying and applying for state and local down payment assistance programs.

These initiatives are designed to help families build wealth through homeownership, a traditional pathway to financial security.

Investing in Future Generations: Education Savings Plans

FNB understands that investing in children’s education is a top priority for many families. To support this, the bank is promoting and enhancing its 529 education savings plans.

* Tax-Advantaged Savings: 529 plans offer tax benefits, allowing earnings to grow tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.

* Flexible Investment options: A range of investment portfolios to suit different risk tolerances and time horizons.

* Automated Savings Plans: Easy-to-set-up automated contributions to help families save consistently.

* Scholarship Opportunities: FNB is partnering with local educational institutions to offer scholarship opportunities to students whose families participate in the 529 plan.

Financial Literacy Resources for All Ages

Financial literacy is crucial for building strong families.FNB is expanding its free financial literacy resources, targeting all age groups:

* Youth Financial Education: Programs for children and teenagers covering topics like budgeting, saving, and responsible spending.

* Adult Financial Workshops: Workshops on topics such as debt management,credit repair,and retirement planning.

* Online Financial Tools: Interactive tools and calculators to help families track their spending, create budgets, and plan for the future.

* One-on-one Financial Counseling: Personalized financial counseling services available to FNB customers.

Strengthening Credit Health & Responsible Borrowing

Good credit is essential for accessing affordable financial products and services. FNB is actively promoting responsible credit practices:

* Credit score Monitoring: Free credit score monitoring services for customers.

* credit Builder Loans: Loans designed to help individuals with limited or poor credit history establish a positive credit record.

* Debt Consolidation Loans: Options for consolidating high-interest debt into a single, more manageable loan.

* Educational Resources on Credit: Articles, videos, and webinars explaining credit scores, credit reports, and how to improve credit health.

Supporting Family Businesses & entrepreneurship

Recognizing the importance of family-owned businesses, FNB is offering specialized support for entrepreneurs:

* small Business loans: Competitive loan rates and flexible terms for small business owners.

* Business Mentorship Programs: Connecting entrepreneurs with experienced business mentors.

* financial Planning for Business Owners: Guidance on managing business finances, taxes, and retirement planning.

* Access to Capital Resources: Facts on grants,venture capital,and other funding opportunities.

Real-World Impact: The Miller Family Story

The Miller family, long-time FNB customers, recently utilized the bank’s first-time homebuyer program to purchase their first home. “We had been dreaming of owning a home for years, but we thought it was out of reach,” says Sarah Miller. “FNB’s low down payment option and the homebuyer education workshop gave us the confidence and resources we needed to make our dream a reality.” This is just one example of how FNB’s initiatives are positively impacting families in the community.

Benefits of Participating in FNB’s Family Initiatives

* Increased Financial Security: Improved budgeting, saving, and credit management skills.

* Homeownership Opportunities: Access to affordable mortgage options.

* Educational Savings: Tax-advantaged savings for future education expenses.

* Entrepreneurial Support: Resources for starting and growing a family business.

* Stronger Family Bonds: shared financial goals and planning.