Abu Dhabi's Executive Council says it will provide 7,608 residential villas for Emiratis this year as part of its National Housing Programme, which aims to "provide good-quality accommodation for all Abu Dhabi citizens".
In January, the Government announced a swathe of new projects and expansions to existing ones providing significant new investment in social infrastructure, health and education and giving a boost to economic development in the emirate.
In addition to the villas planned for this year, Emirati housing projects are being built in areas including Liwa, Nema, North Wathba and Al Hayer. The North Wathba residential project alone will cover 41.78 square kilometres and will comprise 13,150 new homes.
In August, the developer Aldar estimated that Abu Dhabi could require as many as 10,000 new villas to match its housing needs for middle-income Emiratis.
Estidama means "sustainability" in Arabic and more than 115 developments have been now been awarded a Pearl rating, of which more than 50 are now under construction.
lbarnard@thenational.ae
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Fixtures:
Thursday:
Hatta v Al Jazira, 4.55pm
Al Wasl v Dibba, 7.45pm
Friday:
Al Dhafra v Al Nasr, 5.05pm
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai v Al Wahda, 7.45pm
Saturday:
Ajman v Emirates, 4.55pm
Al Ain v Sharjah, 7.45pm
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The specs: 2017 Dodge Viper SRT
Price, base / as tested Dh460,000
Engine 8.4L V10
Transmission Six-speed manual
Power 645hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 813Nm @ 5,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 16.8L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets