Abu Dhabi distributes Dh7.2bn in housing loans to Emiratis for National Day

Housing packages are approved for more than 6,000 UAE citizens

Abu Dhabi's Al Samha housing project for Emiratis. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed ordered billions of dirhams in housing packages to be distributed among more than 6,100 Emiratis in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, called for housing loans, homes and land — at a total value of Dh7.2bn — to be granted to citizens, under the directives of President Sheikh Khalifa.

Sheikh Mohamed also waived loan repayments totalling Dh340 million for 381 retired Emiratis and the families of deceased mortgagors.

The announcement was made to coincide with 49th National Day celebrations. It was the third package of housing benefits issued this year, which total Dh15.5bn.

The breakdown includes 3,099 plots of land, valued at Dh2.17bn; 2,000 housing loans, valued at Dh3.45bn; and 601 houses, valued at Dh1.2bn. The package was distributed among Emiratis in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra.

This year, approvals were issued for more than 5,000 housing loans as part of government aims to "maintain social stability and ensure decent living standards for citizens".

On Saturday, Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, chairman of the Department of Community Development Abu Dhabi, praised the move, saying it would help Emirati families enjoy a higher quality of life.

"The third housing benefits package demonstrates the ... leadership's keenness to provide all means of support ... for citizens. The package for this year is an extension of all the efforts to ensure a decent life for them and their families," he said.

Jaber Al Suwaidi, chairman of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, echoed those sentiments and said the exemption of loan payments and distribution of homes and land showed "commitment to providing good quality housing".

Mr Al Suwaidi, who is also director-general of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, said the decision would "build a strong and connected community that enhances the development and progress of the country."

The UAE Government allocates land, free accommodation or a loan to eligible Emiratis who apply though the Housing Allocation Committee.

Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, established in 1999, provides low-income Emiratis with interest-free loans that are repayable over a 25-year period. Priority is given to widows, senior Emiratis and people with disabilities.

The scheme was introduced to ensure all Emiratis have access to safe and affordable housing and basic services.

The UAE capital aims to double the number of housing loans issued to Emiratis as part of Abu Dhabi Government Accelerator Programme, Ghadan 21.

Emiratis who have worked for at least 15 years and lived in the UAE for a decade or longer can apply for loans ranging from Dh500,000 to Dh2.25m from the government to buy a home or plot of land on which to build a house.

This loan is repaid over the remainder of their lives but can sometimes be waived by order of Sheikh Mohamed. Typically, these directives exempt retired or low-income Emiratis.

The loans are distributed by Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme but Emiratis can alternatively apply for a pre-built home with Abu Dhabi Housing Authority.

Abu Dhabi's Al Samha housing project for Emiratis: