Aiming to strengthen social cohesion and improve the quality of life for families across the emirate, the UAE has announced that resident families will receive free Faza membership as part of the nationwide “Year of the Family 2026” initiative. The programme, launched through a collaboration between the Ministry of Family and Faiza Initiative, seeks to recognize the contribution of families living and working in the country as well as providing them access to a wide range of lifestyle benefits and discounts.The initiative reflects the UAE’s broader strategy to put families at the center of social development. By expanding the benefits program, previously limited mainly to specific areas, to resident families, officials hope to foster a stronger sense of community, support household stability and reduce the costs of everyday life.
What does UAE’s new free Faiza membership initiative offer?
Under the scheme, eligible families will receive a free Faiza discount membership valid until 2026, giving them access to a wide network of services and deals in the UAE and internationally. Among the key benefits offered to members are:
- Discounts at over 34,000 retail stores in the UAE and abroad
- Special offers on 28,000 food and consumer products through Fazaa stores
- Discounts on travel and accommodation at over 500,000 hotels worldwide through the Faza Amakin platform
- Up to 70 percent off on entertainment and activity through Faza mobile app
These benefits cover many areas of everyday life, from shopping and dining to travel, health care and leisure, making memberships a potentially valuable tool for families who want to manage the cost of living more effectively.
Who can apply for UAE’s free Faiza membership
Free membership is open to families resident in the UAE that include at least one child, ensuring that the program focuses on households rather than individuals. Eligible families can apply online through the official Faza platform, where they can submit the required documents and activate their digital membership cards. Authorities have also set up technical support channels to assist applicants and answer questions about the process.Once approved, the membership will remain valid for the duration of the family year and will expire at the end of 2026. Officials say the initiative sends a deeper message beyond financial gain. According to government representatives, the program aims to express appreciation for the families who have chosen the UAE as their home, as well as reinforce the idea that strong families form the foundation of a stable and prosperous society.The UAE’s development model has long emphasized social cohesion and community integration, especially given the diverse population of citizens and expatriates in the country. By providing benefits to resident families, officials aim to strengthen a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.
What is the Fazaa program in UAE?
The Fazaa Initiative itself is one of the UAE’s most recognized social assistance programmes. Originally designed to benefit government employees and specific professional groups, this program provides members with discounts, services and financial benefits in a number of areas.These benefits typically include:
- Low prices on shopping and dining
- Discounts on travel and hotel bookings
- Special healthcare offers
- Savings on entertainment and lifestyle services
- Transport and fare discounts
The overarching objective of the program is to help members manage the cost of living while encouraging community engagement and economic activity. The free membership initiative is closely linked to the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of the Family”. This nationwide campaign aims to highlight the importance of family stability, well-being and social integration as pillars of national development. The program is also in line with the country’s long-term social policies that focus on strengthening households and supporting the next generation.Within this framework, various initiatives ranging from community programs to lifestyle benefits are expected to be launched throughout the year to support families and encourage stronger relationships within society. The Faiza membership initiative also reflects a broader trend across the UAE, where government institutions and private organizations often launch programs aimed at improving the quality of life of residents.In recent weeks, a number of community initiatives have emerged across the country, ranging from free admission to major attractions and special discounts on leisure and hospitality experiences for residents. These programs are designed to encourage families to spend time together and make everyday activities more accessible. Such initiatives often gain rapid popularity among residents, highlighting the strong demand for family-oriented programs that combine social engagement with financial savings.Early indications suggest that the free Faza membership program may prove extremely popular. Reports indicate that residents attempting to apply for membership immediately following the announcement faced long online queues, reflecting the high level of interest among families wishing to benefit from the discounts and services offered through the programme. For many families, especially those with children, membership can result in significant savings on travel, entertainment and everyday shopping.
Strengthening the UAE’s social model
Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the initiative also reflects the UAE’s broader social philosophy of building a community where residents, regardless of nationality, are considered active participants in the country’s development. By extending programs like Fazaa to resident families, the government is reinforcing a message that the well-being of society begins with the well-being of each family living in the country. This approach has been a hallmark of the UAE’s governance model, which often combines economic growth with policies designed to improve the quality of life of residents.As the Year of the Family begins, expect to see more initiatives aimed at supporting families in the UAE. The free Faiza membership program could be the beginning of a wide range of policies designed to strengthen families, encourage social cohesion and ensure that residents continue to see the UAE as a place where they can build long-term, stable lives.For thousands of families across the emirate, this initiative represents both a practical benefit and a symbolic gesture – highlighting the country’s ongoing commitment to community, inclusion and shared prosperity.