Dh1.5bn Emirati housing programme gets the green light

Funds earmarked to build and renovate 10,000 homes for UAE citizens across the Emirates

AL FALAH, ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - May 31, 2012: The Al Falah government housing project by Aldar..( Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi )

ABU DHABI // Ten thousand homes for Emiratis will be built or renovated nationwide in a Dh1.5 billion project over the next four years.

The scheme consists of mixed-use housing complexes, each containing 100 villas and associated facilities.

The variety of house shapes and sizes planned will take into consideration the lifestyle of Emirati families, as well as functionality, comfort and privacy.

“It is a creative approach,” said Abu Dhabi resident Mohamed Al Hammadi, 35, an ambassador for tourism and cultural affairs.

“I imagine myself in the place of these people who receive this kind of privilege. It’s very nice because this way the whole society will be feeling at peace and ease and have comfort of mind because we are all enjoying housing together. This way we are sharing the welfare with all. The standards of living will be unified for all – for the old houses and the new houses – the locals will feel the same privilege.”

The housing scheme is one of the projects overseen by the follow-up committee on initiatives by the President, Sheikh Khalifa, and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2017.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, who approved contracts for phase one of the housing project on Saturday, said it reflected the keeness of the President to provide high-quality living standards and prosperity.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, approved a grant of Dh2.1billion in August under the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme that will help 5,000 Emirati families who want to build a home.

The programme offers interest-free loans to build a house and grants to assist in buying, building or maintaining a house, and builds government houses for applicants, who must meet the requirements to receive aid, which include a maximum income.

The application process operates a points system to determine where an applicant falls on the priority list. An applicant receives 20 points if he lives with family or rents, and each child adds another point. The higher the points the sooner an application is processed and assessed.

Also in August, more than 1,300 Emirati residents of Abu Dhabi received keys to their new homes in Al Falah.

The aim of Al Falah Housing City project is to provide Emirati families with a stable living environment. The project, which is being built over several phases, consists of 4,857 villas on about 1,250 hectares spanning five residential districts, and mosques, schools, a mall, a hospital, office space and shops.

* Additional reporting by Wam