Dh674m Emirati housing project opens in Abu Dhabi

Al Samha contains 250 villas designed to 'reflect the UAE's heritage and national identity'

Around 250 villas have been built in Al Samha City, a housing programme for Emiratis in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, tours Al Samha City with Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed, Deputy National Security Adviser, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

A children's play area at Al Samha City in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

One of the 250 villas for Emiratis in Al Samha City. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed, Deputy National Security Adviser, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, tours Al Samha City on Wednesday. Seen with Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, is briefed about Al Samha City. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, tours Al Samha City with Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member, and Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed, Deputy National Security Adviser, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed, Deputy National Security Adviser, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, tours Al Samha City. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

An aerial view of Al Samha City, an Emirati housing project in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Al Samha City cost Dh674 million to build and was inaugurated on Wednesday. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

A Dh674 million ($183.5m) housing project for Emiratis was inaugurated in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Al Samha project was built for UAE citizens and is about a 40-minute drive from the emirate's city centre.

The project, which comprises 250 villas, was inaugurated by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed, Deputy National Security Adviser, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office.

The pair toured the area on Wednesday and were briefed on its amenities and design features.

The residential project spans an area of 520,000 square metres and each villa, designed with features that "reflect the UAE's heritage and national identity", is 497 square metres, according to Abu Dhabi Government Media Office.

The project also has fire, safety and security systems in place.

It was built on the orders of President Sheikh Khalifa, with support from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

The homes ainclude five bedrooms, a majlis, a dining room, two living rooms, a kitchen, a store room, a laundry room, a maid's room, a driver's room and other facilities.

“Abu Dhabi housing projects reflect the leadership’s vision and commitment to providing high-quality housing that enhances the well-being of Emiratis in line with the highest international standards,” said Sheikh Hazza.

In July, Sheikh Mohamed ordered another residential community be built for Emiratis in Baniyas.

The 3,400-home Baniyas North development will contain 57 kilometres of cycle paths, two dozen mosques, four schools and two medical clinics. It is scheduled to be completed by September 2023.

The estimated 32,500 residents, who will live in five or six-room villas, will also have access to two parks, four community farming areas and 43 community facilities, said state news agency Wam.