Grand outfits, lavish wedding buffets, photographers, and stunning venues—there’s no doubt that weddings can be incredibly expensive. 

With rising inflation, managing such costs can be daunting, especially for young couples planning to marry early. But there’s good news! Abu Dhabi’s authorities have introduced a “Marriage Loan” initiative to help ease the financial burden for its nationals.

The Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (SSA) has launched the program to assist Emiratis in building stable families. In this blog post, we’ll explore the details of the government Marriage Loan Initiative, such as the purpose, goals, eligibility criteria, and so on.

Let’s get started, shall we?

What is the Social Support Authority?

Before diving into the loan details, it’s important to understand who the SSA is. Established by Abu Dhabi in 2008, the Social Support Authority aims to stabilize low-income families and promote community success.

One of its key programs is the Emirati Family Growth Programme. 

This program supports the government marriage loan campaign by encouraging young Emiratis to marry, start families, and build lasting relationships. It includes various initiatives designed to encourage family formation and growth, and it aligns with the broader objectives of the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy.

Through these efforts, the SSA plays a crucial role in fostering a strong and prosperous Emirati community.

Everything You Need To Know About the Government Marriage Loan Initiative

Abu Dhabi’s government Marriage Loan Initiative is a game-changing program that assists Emiratis in managing the financial demands of getting married. 

As wedding costs continue to rise, this campaign offers an opportunity to couples wishing to have their dream wedding wedding without the stress of starting their married life with financial burdens. 

The Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, Abdulla Al Ameri, talks about the vision behind the project stating, 

“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. These efforts align with SSA’s strategic direction to reinforce the stability of Emirati families and amplify the positive impact they have on society.”

Here’s an in-depth look at the government Marriage Loan project: 

Purpose and Goals

The government Marriage Loan Initiative is designed to ease the financial burden associated with weddings, which can often be overwhelming for young couples. 

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In Abu Dhabi, the cost of a mid-range wedding can reach up to 200,000 AED, and some events can exceed 1 million AED. Recognizing this financial pressure, the SSA has introduced an interest-free loan of up to 150,000 AED to help cover these expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the government Marriage Loan, couples must meet several specific requirements:

1. Age Requirements

Both spouses must meet certain age criteria. The husband should be at least 21 years old, while the wife should be at least 18 years old at the time of marriage. 

This ensures that the applicants are mature enough to handle the responsibilities of marriage and financial commitments.

2. Family Book

To apply for the government marriage loan, the husband must possess a Family Book issued by Abu Dhabi. This official document is proof of the family’s residency and status in the emirate.

3. Income Limit

The husband’s monthly income must be below 60,000 AED. This requirement helps target the loan to those who are most in need of financial assistance and ensures that the support reaches only the individuals who may struggle with wedding expenses.

4. Application Submission

The application for the government Marriage Loan must be submitted by the husband. This requirement streamlines the process and ensures that the primary applicant is responsible for the application.

5. Digital Platform

Applications must be submitted through the Medeem Digital Platform, an online portal managed by the Abu Dhabi government. This platform facilitates the efficient processing of applications and allows applicants to track their loan status.

Lack of Marriage Loan Interest

A standout feature of the Marriage Loan interest is its strict adherence to Islamic principles by being completely interest-free. The loan does not incur any additional financial charges as it is In line with Sharia law, which prohibits charging interest (known as riba). 

This lack of marriage loan interest not only reflects a commitment to ethical finance but also helps alleviate the financial burden on young couples, allowing them to focus on their new life together without long-term repayment.

How To Get Marriage Loan?

The application process for the government Marriage Loan will commence in early September 2024. Couples who are planning to marry within the next six months are eligible to apply. To ensure a smooth process, prospective applicants should:

• Download the Medeem App: Make sure to download the Medeem app, which will be used for submitting the loan application.
• Prepare Family Book: Have the Family Book ready beforehand, as it is required for verification purposes.

By preparing in advance, couples can speed up their application process and ensure they meet all the necessary requirements. For additional assistance and to make your wedding planning seamless, reach out to Easy Wedding and let us help you navigate the loan process with ease.

Impact and Community Response

The government Marriage Loan Initiative has received significant interest and positive feedback from the community. Many view it as a welcome relief during rising wedding costs and economic challenges. 

However, there have been suggestions from some to consider converting the loan into a grant. This could further simplify the process for young couples and address financial barriers more effectively.

The success of the government Marriage Loan Initiative will ultimately depend on how effectively it is managed. Regardless, we can’t wait to see how it encourages couples to opt for marriage and fosters a community that supports more family-oriented nationals. 

After all, this could be the start of a wonderful new chapter for many Emirati families!