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His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, today (Thursday) attended wedding celebrations for 148 grooms organised by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai in partnership with Dubai Customs as part of a collaborative mass wedding programme, which is part of their wider community initiatives.

The event, which marked the tenth time the two entities had organised such a function, underscores the shared commitment of the two entities to foster social cohesion and empower Emirati families in line with Dubai's Social Agenda 33, which emphasises the family as the cornerstone of the nation. The initiative ultimately aims to instill in young people self-assuredness about their abilities and pride in their identity while ensuring they are fully prepared for what lies in the future.

His Highness congratulated the newlyweds who benefited from the initiative, wishing them a happy family life exemplified by mutual understanding and compassion. He said: “Social development is no less important than economic development. Dubai Social Agenda 33 has placed the ultimate goal of happier families at the forefront of its programme. The family is the first building block of a strong society and the leadership is keen to provide all necessary support and ensure the right conditions to facilitate happy and stable families. Dubai spares no effort to support its youth and meet all their needs from a professional and social standpoint to build a promising future.”

Sheikh Ahmed praised the impressive participation of various national entities in supporting the vital goal of strong families as a reflection of a vibrant society. The group wedding initiative embodied this spirit with its message of cohesion, solidarity, and keenness to enable young people have the best opportunity to start family life in the best possible environment, he said.