Abu Dhabi approves $1.8bn housing benefits
Under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved a housing benefits package worth AED6.75bn ($1.8bn), benefiting 4,356 Emirati citizens across the emirate.
The approved housing benefits package includes:
Housing loans amounting to AED5.08bn ($1.4bn) benefiting 3,172 citizens
Land grants and ready-built houses valued at AED1.585bn ($432m) benefiting 1,100 citizens
Exemptions from housing loan repayments totalling more than AED94.8m ($25.8m) benefiting 84 senior citizens, limited-income retirees and beneficiaries of deceased citizens
This package brings the total housing benefits delivered to citizens in Abu Dhabi since the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority to over 123,000, amounting to approximately AED168.85bn ($46bn).
Abu Dhabi housing support
The disbursement of this first housing package of 2025 comes ahead of Eid Al Fitr and reflects the leadership's ongoing commitment to comprehensive development, enhancing Emirati families' wellbeing and ensuring their social stability and happiness in an environment that meets their aspirations, encourages their participation and empowers their contributions to building the nation.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said: 'We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and to H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, for their continued generous directives, care and commitment to providing citizens with the highest standards of living.
'The leadership's directives to disburse this housing benefits package reflect their commitment to meeting citizens' aspirations and housing needs, enhancing their quality of life and ensuring stability and wellbeing for Emirati families.
'Such initiatives further strengthen social cohesion and promote stability throughout Abu Dhabi.'
Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director-General of ADHA, said: 'This new housing benefits package embodies our leadership's ongoing dedication to ensuring dignified living standards and family stability for Emirati citizens, highlighting that ensuring the Emirati families' welfare remains among their top priorities.
'The package aligns with comprehensive development and the Year of Community initiative goals, which promotes social cohesion and underlines the importance of adequate housing in building a stable and prosperous society.'
He further noted that the authority continuously works to enhance and develop its programmes and services, facilitating citizens' access to suitable housing and contributing to the advancement of the emirate's housing sector, in line with the leadership's directives and ambitious vision for a prosperous future.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
an hour ago
- Al Etihad
Hamdan bin Mohammed reviews outcomes of Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program
4 Aug 2025 18:52 DUBAI (WAM) His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, affirmed that the leadership places the highest priority on strengthening family values and fostering social cohesion, while ensuring that all necessary resources and support are made available to build a thriving and prosperous Emirati the outcomes of the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed emphasised that Dubai's development vision has always placed people at its very in September 2023 by the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai to empower Emirati families and reinforce social stability through a comprehensive set of initiatives, the programme facilitates a host of benefits, including avenues for psychological and social support, financial literacy, and direct assistance in meeting housing and other expenses incurred by new Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed applauded the success of the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program in reinforcing the foundations of social stability by supporting and empowering Emirati families through a series of integrated and high-impact initiatives. The programme aligns with the expansive vision outlined for various social empowerment programmes and their role in creating a lasting positive impact that supports the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda review of the programme is part of ongoing efforts to monitor the social empowerment agenda and ensure that various initiatives aimed at advancing those goals achieve sustainable impact in line with Dubai's strategic Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said, 'The programme reflects our deep commitment to empowering our youth and supporting them in building a future that matches their aspirations. A stable family denotes a fundamental pillar in the development and progress of societies. We are committed to providing every prerequisite for young people looking to start a dignified family life – including suitable housing, financial support, enhanced employment opportunities, and expanded social care initiatives. We believe that investing in families is an investment in the nation's future, and we will continue working to provide a wholesome environment that ensures well-being and stability for all.'Praising participants in the programme, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said, 'We commend the determination of the youth who have chosen to begin their family lives based on a clear foundation of awareness and responsibility – setting a proud example for a generation that knows how to shape its future through willpower, hard work, and initiative.'The Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program has contributed to a significant increase in marriage rates among Emiratis. The Dubai Weddings initiative recorded a 218 percent increase in participation during 2025 compared to 2024, with the number of weddings held to date exceeding 700. Marriages facilitated through the Dubai Weddings initiative accounted for 27.7 percent of all marriages registered in the results also indicated that the largest demographic of beneficiaries consisted of men aged between 26–30 and women aged between 20–25. The programme also recorded an impressive 95 percent beneficiary satisfaction programme offers extensive education and training sessions for couples as part of efforts to ensure the long-term success of marital relationships. Among notable highlights are Start it Right, a course promoting awareness of marital rights and effective approaches to foster mutual understanding; Family Financial Culture – Dubai, which focuses on sound financial planning; and How to Build Your Home, which offers guidance on smart and viable housing programme's benefits extend beyond education, offering tangible solutions that meet real-life needs. It offers full coverage of wedding costs for both men and women when the ceremony is hosted in CDA-approved venues. It also facilitates priority access to ready-to-move-in housing through easy instalment payment schemes. Among other benefits are exclusive discounts on medical services, wedding essentials, jewellery, magazines, and travel. Another advantage comes in the form of a loyalty card under the Esaad programme that offers various community perks. There is also a remote work provision for newlywed female employees following maternity of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, emphasised that the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program reflects the vision of the leadership in placing family at the core of sustainable development. She noted that strengthening Emirati families is fundamental to building a cohesive and happy stated, 'The programme's achievements are a source of pride. True investment starts within the Emirati household. Seeing young families embark on a key phase of life and welcoming new members into their families under the umbrella of this initiative proves that we are creating not just statistics, but real stories of secure and thriving beginnings.'From awareness to empowerment, and from financial to housing support, we are offering a complete ecosystem that supports families at every stage of their journey. This aligns with the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and reinforces the city's role as an ideal environment for starting a family and building a future.'Thanking Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, for her generous patronage of the initiative, Buhumaid said, 'Dubai Weddings is more than just a scheme providing assistance – it is a gesture rooted in compassion and community spirit.'Through this initiative, Her Highness Sheikha Hind has touched the lives of countless youths, helping them start on the path of family with confidence and clarity. This initiative brought the true essence of social responsibility to life,' she said, reaffirming the Authority's commitment to continuously enhancing the programme through strategic partnerships, positioning it as a leading model for family empowerment and sustainable social development.
Gulf Today
8 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Commando Group claim AD grappling event
The curtain came down on the inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025, held over three days at ADNEC Centre Al Ain on Sunday. Emirati clubs delivered a powerful statement, sweeping the top three positions in the championship. Organised by International Vision Sports Management (IVSM), the championship featured thrilling matches and high-level competition, drawing a large crowd and more than 1,000 athletes from over 60 countries to the Al Ain Region. The final day saw the culmination of professional category matches, with standout performances energising the crowd. The UAE's Commando Group topped the overall standings across divisions, followed by ADMA International in second place and M.O.D UAE in third. Winners were awarded medals and cash prizes at the conclusion of the event. This initiative was held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP). In attendance on the final day and participating in the awards ceremony were Sheikh Tarik bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Saeed Al Dhaheri, Destination Management Department Director at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, and Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of International Vision Sports Management. Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of IVSM, said: 'This year, we succeeded in delivering an exceptional edition of the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship by attracting top-tier international athletes to the Al Ain Region and organising professional-level matches that reflect Abu Dhabi's status as the world capital of jiu-jitsu. 'We thank all our supporting partners and the fans whose presence played a vital role in making this event a success. 'We promise to continue delivering high-calibre grappling championships that elevate the sport and help uncover new talent at both the local and global levels. 'Through this championship, we aim to cement Abu Dhabi and the Al Ain Region as global destinations for world-class sporting events, while expanding interest in grappling across all age groups. In future editions, we look forward to growing the event further, both in terms of participation and organisational excellence, so it continues to meet the expectations of athletes and spectators alike.' Pouya Rahmani of Team Nogueira Dubai, who won gold in the Men's Grappling / 18+ / Professionals / 125kg division, said: 'I feel amazing. This is my first world title in grappling as a black belt, and it means a lot to me. 'It's been a long journey, and finally winning this medal is incredibly satisfying. My final match was against Haitham Redha. I lost to him the last time, and he's a strong fighter, but I managed to take the victory this time. Thank you, Abu Dhabi. Thank you, Al Ain.' Caroline Vinhaes of Piramide Grappling Association, who claimed gold in the Women's 18+ / Professionals / 55kg division, added: 'I really enjoyed the championship. It is amazing to have a tournament dedicated specifically to grappling.
Al Etihad
8 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Under the patronage of Hamdan bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi to host largest edition of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition
4 Aug 2025 11:20 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)ADNEC Group is continuing its preparations to host the 22nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), set to be the largest and most extensive in the event's under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club, the event will take place from August 30 to September 7, 2025, at ADNEC Centre Abu by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Emirates Falconers Club, ADIHEX is a leading platform dedicated to celebrating the UAE's deep-rooted hunting and equestrian the largest event of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa, it represents more than two decades of rich cultural heritage and authentic the success of the 2024 edition, which attracted more than 350,000 visitors and over 1,700 companies and brands, the upcoming edition is expected to see record growth across all key performance Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers Club, said: 'ADIHEX has become the UAE's foremost platform for celebrating and preserving Emirati and Arab cultural heritage. Thanks to the continued support of our wise leadership, this significant event not only preserves our cherished traditions but also ensures they are passed on to future generations."The 2025 edition will further cement Abu Dhabi's status as a leader in hunting, equestrianism, and falconry, serving as a bridge between the legacy of the past and the aspirations of the future.'Al Mansouri also expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club, and patron of ADIHEX, for their unwavering support of initiatives dedicated to preserving falconry and Emirati heritage, as well as for promoting cultural cooperation among all emphasised that this approach reflects the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose love and pride for this rich heritage lives on in the hearts of the people of the Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: 'ADNEC Group continues its preparations to deliver an exceptional edition of ADIHEX, in collaboration with the Emirates Falconers Club and all strategic partners from both government and private sectors. Our goal is to ensure the event's success and present it in a manner befitting its international reputation and standing in these vital sectors.' Al Dhaheri added that the upcoming edition will feature numerous new activities including, for the first time, multi-stage falcon auctions before and during the exhibition. The first auction will be held on August 16–17 and August 23-24 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, followed by the second auction on August 30-31 and September 6-7. He said the team has conducted extensive promotional tours at major regional and international industry events in recent months to attract leading companies and reinforce the exhibition's global status. He also highlighted the exhibition's significant role in supporting national industries in these vital sectors, as well as its contribution to supporting local handicrafts and SMEs by opening new markets regionally and exhibition serves as a vital platform for establishing partnerships and exploring cooperation opportunities between local and global companies, in addition to showcasing the latest technologies and equipment in hunting and equestrian sectors. Emirati Heritage The 2025 edition of ADIHEX promises to excel across all performance indicators, bringing together leading local and international brands through its partnership with the Emirates Falconers Club. The event will provide a truly unique experience showcasing the depth and authenticity of Emirati culture alongside its global appeal, while also adhering to sustainability standards in both hunting and falcon auctions will be organised in two phases: the first phase will take place in person, with online bidding available for a selection of top falcons. The second phase will feature live auctions open to participants from the UAE and abroad. These activities are designed to offer a comprehensive experience that blends authenticity and modernity, ensuring full transparency through a dedicated electronic auction 21st edition, organised in 2024 by ADNEC in collaboration with the Emirates Falconers Club, saw the exhibition space increase more than fourteenfold compared to its inaugural year in 2003. The number of exhibiting companies grew 43 times, reaching 1,742 companies and brands, while the number of participating countries quadrupled to 65 in 2024, up from 14 in the first edition. What To Expect The 2025 exhibition will offer visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy live cultural and historical performances that tell the stories of the region's rich heritage. Visitors will also discover the latest technologies and products in various fields, including equestrianism, falconry, hunting and shooting, camping and safari, fishing and marine sports, as well as arts, crafts, and outdoor its growing ability to attract enthusiasts, exhibitors, experts, and hunting lovers worldwide, the 2025 edition of ADIHEX promises to be the most diverse and engaging experience yet. From falconry and equestrian shows to interactive workshops, the exhibition aims to highlight the link between deep-rooted traditions and innovation, a hallmark of Abu Dhabi's unique cultural and heritage Group remains committed to further elevating the exhibition's status, not only as an international business platform, but also as a cultural and humanitarian forum for heritage lovers, practitioners of hunting and equestrian sports, and producers of traditional equipment and products from around the world. With its diverse array of new activities, the event will continue to serve as a global hub for cultural exchange and a shining beacon of Emirati heritage, upholding the UAE's legacy of excellence and innovation on the world stage. Al Ain Edition Additionally, ADNEC Group has announced the launch of the inaugural Al Ain International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2025, which will take place from November 26–30, 2025, at ADNEC Al Ain. As an extension of ADIHEX and organised by ADNEC Abu Dhabi, this new event will span more than 12,000 square metres, showcasing the latest innovations, equipment, and technologies in these specialised sectors. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
