11,103 new residential units are under construction according to the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI). The homes are being built under the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme and are taking shape across the country.
According to a statement, since its launch in 1999, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme has issued over 74,504 housing support resolutions, comprising loans and grants with a total value of US $11.1bn. To date, the programme has delivered 35,455 housing units to beneficiaries.
The MOEI says 2,538 housing units were handed over to beneficiaries last year, while 2021 saw the delivery of 1,726 housing units in Dubai, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.
The ministry made the announcement on World Habitat Day, which was celebrated under the theme ‘Accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world’. The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of habitats, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter, the statement explained.
Speaking on the occasion, Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, stressed that the ministry’s housing projects are part of its urban development plan for the next 50 years, and will support the UAE’s infrastructure system and help achieve the UAE’s goal of ensuring the welfare of citizens.
2020 saw the announcement of directives to allocate land plots, housing loans and units, as well as to exempt retired citizens and families of deceased persons from paying loans, with a total value of $4.22bn. In all, 13,626 citizens benefitted from the directives. This year, $17.7bn was allocated to provide Emiratis with housing over the next two decades, the statement noted.
The priorities of Abu Dhabi’s leadership include providing adequate housing to citizens, Al Mazrouei concluded.