The UAE's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced that 11,103 new residential units are currently being built under the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme across the country.

 

Since its launch in 1999, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, which is managed by the infrastructure ministry, has issued over 74,504 housing support resolutions, comprising loans and grants with a total value of AED41 billion ($11.1 billion). 

 

The programme has till date delivered 35,455 housing units to beneficiaries. A total of 2,538 housing units have been handed over to beneficiaries last year, while 2021 saw the delivery of 1,726 housing units in Dubai, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, stated the ministry on World Habitat Day, which was celebrated under the theme ''Accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world" yesterday (October 4).

 

The United Nations had 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 Day is also intended to remind the world that all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.World Habitat Day was first celebrated in 1986 with the theme “Shelter is My Right”. Nairobi was the host city for the observance that year.

 

Speaking on 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.

 

The year 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 AED15.5 billion, benefiting 13,626 citizens.

 

This year too there had been an allocation of a AED65 billion budget to provide Emiratis with housing over the next two decades. 

 

The priorities of Abu Dhabi’s leadership include providing adequate housing to citizens, he added.-TradeArabia News Service