Latest news with #SheikhaHindbintMaktoum
Sharjah 24
13-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Hamdan bin Mohammed approves citizen well-being initiatives
Support for retirees and families The meeting approved the Thukhr Initiative to empower retirees through health, financial, and social programmes, reinforcing their role in society. The Ghamran Camp was also launched to strengthen family bonds by bringing fathers and sons together in a desert setting to learn life skills rooted in Emirati identity. Citizens at the centre of development Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed that citizens' welfare remains the top priority. Since the committee's formation in 2022, over 33,470 Emiratis have secured employment, 1,315 housing units have been delivered, and 10,131 residential plots granted. Financial support included 8,663 grants, 9,204 loans, and AED146 million in loan exemptions. Advancing social and housing initiatives The committee introduced a new vision for model neighbourhoods and accelerated housing allocation. The Dubai Integrated Housing Centre was launched to streamline land and housing services. Social support reached 1,078 citizens, with increased aid for low-income groups reaching AED438 million. Boosting community life and national identity Programmes like the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme and the Dubai Weddings Initiative were expanded. The goal is to increase Emirati-led weddings to 77% by 2026. Financial literacy and cultural initiatives further promote social stability and heritage. Driving digital and economic innovation The Emirati app now provides 328 services and aims to offer over 765 by next year. Endowment funds disbursed AED24 million in community support, with assets rising to AED2.6 billion, reflecting strong growth and commitment to sustainable social impact. Strategic vision and cross-sector collaboration The committee operates under a strategic plan aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, coordinating across government and private sectors to deliver integrated services and long-term initiatives that support all Emiratis.
Hi Dubai
02-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE's Citizen Housing Sector Expands with Landmark Initiatives in 2025
The UAE's citizen housing sector witnessed substantial growth in the first quarter of 2025, aligning with the 'Year of Community' initiative. Driven by a commitment to family stability and well-being, the government launched a series of transformative projects and policies at both federal and local levels. With an ambitious strategy centered on innovation and excellence, the UAE has achieved a homeownership rate exceeding 91% by the end of 2024, ranking among the highest globally. The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme granted over AED1 billion in housing approvals in January alone, benefiting more than 1,300 citizens. This initiative has shortened the waiting period for housing approvals to just two months; one of the fastest timelines worldwide. Since its inception in 1999, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme has allocated AED60 billion, supporting over 90,000 Emiratis. In Abu Dhabi, a housing benefits package worth AED6.75 billion was approved, benefiting 4,356 citizens. This includes AED5.08 billion in housing loans, AED1.585 billion in land grants and ready-built homes, and AED94.8 million in loan exemptions for senior citizens and limited-income retirees. Cumulatively, Abu Dhabi has delivered AED168.85 billion in housing benefits to over 123,000 citizens. Major developments have also been launched across the UAE. In Al Ain, the Al Saad residential project, spanning 1.23 million square meters, was unveiled at a cost of AED993.7 million to provide 306 villas. Meanwhile, Dubai announced AED5.4 billion in housing projects under the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, with 3,004 new homes planned across multiple locations. Additionally, Dubai Municipality introduced the "Home First" initiative in March to enhance urban planning and housing solutions for Emirati families. Sharjah also progressed its housing agenda, with the Executive Council approving 2,000 residential and investment land grants in February. These initiatives collectively reinforce the UAE's commitment to strengthening social cohesion, elevating living standards, and ensuring accessible housing solutions for its citizens. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
31-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE invests billions to bolster citizen housing
ABU DHABI: The UAE's housing sector for citizens witnessed a significant boost in the first quarter of 2025, designated as the "Year of Community," with the launch of extensive initiatives and projects reflecting the leadership's commitment to family stability and well-being. The UAE is developing its citizen housing sector at both federal and local levels through an ambitious strategy focused on innovation and excellence in solutions and services. This has contributed to a citizen homeownership rate exceeding 91 percent by the end of 2024, among the highest globally. In January, over AED1 billion in housing approvals were granted under the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme to more than 1,300 citizens. The number of beneficiaries will increase throughout the year to meet all submitted housing requests. The current waiting time for housing approval from the programme is only two months, which is among the shortest globally. Since its establishment in 1999 until the end of 2024, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme has supported over 90,000 Emirati citizens with an allocation of AED60 billion. In Abu Dhabi, a housing benefits package worth AED6.75 billion has been approved, benefiting 4,356 Emirati citizens across the emirate. The approved housing benefits package includes housing loans amounting to AED5.08 billion benefiting 3,172 citizens, land grants and ready-built houses valued at AED1.585 billion benefiting 1,100 citizens, as well as exemptions from housing loan repayments totalling more than AED94.8 million 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 AED168.85 billion. February saw the launch of the Al Saad residential project in Al Ain, spanning 1.23 million square metres with a total cost of AED993.7 million, providing 306 villas for citizens. Furthermore, the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi announced the launch of a new "Value Housing Programme" to bolster versatility in the emirate's real estate market, improve living standards for individuals and families, and foster community integration. Developments in Dubai include the implementation of housing projects worth AED5.4 billion across various areas in the emirate, supporting the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme. The projects will see 3,004 new homes being built for Emirati citizens. Of these, 1,181 homes will come up in Latifa City for beneficiaries under the housing loan category. For beneficiaries in the housing grant category, the projects envisage 606 new homes in Al Yalayis; 5, 432 in Wadi Al Amardi; 398 in Al Awir; 1, 200 in the Makan area of Hatta; 120 in Oud Al Muteena; and 67 in the countryside and rural areas of Dubai. In March, Dubai Municipality launched the "Home First" initiative to provide housing solutions for Emirati families. It is a comprehensive set of urban planning amendments and housing solutions to strengthen family stability, foster social cohesion, and improve the quality of life for Emirati families. In February 2025, the Sharjah Executive Council approved the first batch of beneficiaries for residential and investment land grants, totalling 2,000 recipients: 1,200 for residential land grants and 800 for investment land grants, distributed across the emirate's cities and regions.
Gulf Insider
18-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Sets Rules for Home Extensions and Added Living Space
Dubai Municipality has announced new planning rules to allow home extensions and adding living space to homes in the emirate. In line with the 'Year of Community' announced by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dubai Municipality launched the 'Home First' initiative to enhance housing facilities for Emirati families. The initiative introduces a comprehensive set of urban planning amendments designed to strengthen family stability, foster social cohesion, and improve quality of life for Emirati families. 'Home First' also supports the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, which was established by Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The programme aims to strengthen family bonds, promote social values, and create a sustainable residential environment that meets the evolving needs of Emirati families. As part of the initiative, Dubai Municipality has updated the Dubai Building Code to introduce greater flexibility in residential planning, enabling Emirati citizens to tailor their homes to meet their social and family needs. The new regulations allow the construction of a side family annex before the main villa, offering additional living spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. Emirati homeowners can also build a separate villa for a son within the existing family property, ensuring efficient space utilisation and privacy while maintaining strong family ties. The initiative allows families to expand their villas with a full 100 per cent extension on the second floor. Setback regulations have also been revised, reducing the minimum setback for villas to 1.5m and introducing an additional 1.5m setback for rooftop floors across all construction boundaries. Additionally, setbacks between service annexes and the main villa have been removed, with the updated regulations permitting service annexes to reach a height of up to eight metres across two floors. Townhouses can now be built adjacent to each other across two plots, improving urban planning efficiency while ensuring architectural harmony. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said: 'The Home First initiative reinforces Dubai Municipality's commitment to a flexible and sustainable urban planning framework that supports family well-being and community stability. 'These new allowances provide Emirati families with adaptable housing facilities that meet their evolving needs while upholding Dubai's high architectural standards. 'The initiative aligns with the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to position Dubai as the world's best city for living, housing services, and community well-being. 'By implementing these measures, we are fostering a dignified and inclusive living experience that enhances the happiness and prosperity of all citizens.' Dubai Municipality invites Emirati citizens to explore the initiative's benefits by visiting its official website for detailed information on the required documentation or contacting its call centre at 800 900. Dubai Municipality remains committed to continuously enhancing construction-related services, regulations, and building codes while overseeing licensing, construction activities, and strategic urban planning. These efforts support the development of a smart, sustainable, and globally competitive construction sector, ensuring the highest quality of life in line with international urban planning and sustainability standards in the emirate. Also read: Dubai Hosts First Ever International Sports Entertainment Free Zone Cluster
Hi Dubai
18-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Municipality Launches ‘Home First' to Enhance Housing for Emirati Families
In alignment with the 'Year of Community' initiative announced by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dubai Municipality has introduced the 'Home First' initiative to enhance housing facilities for Emirati families. This initiative introduces key urban planning amendments aimed at strengthening family stability, fostering social cohesion, and improving quality of life. It also supports the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, which focuses on reinforcing family bonds and creating a sustainable residential environment for Emirati households. As part of 'Home First,' Dubai Building Code updates now allow greater flexibility in residential planning. Key amendments include: Side family annex construction before the main villa, providing additional living spaces. Separate villas for sons within the family property to balance privacy and togetherness. 100% extension allowance on the second floor to maximize space. Revised setback regulations, reducing minimum setbacks to 1.5 metres and allowing annexes to reach eight metres across two floors. Adjacent townhouses can now be built across two plots, improving urban efficiency. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, emphasized that 'Home First' reflects a flexible and sustainable urban planning vision, aligned with Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to make Dubai the world's best city for housing and community well-being. Emirati citizens are encouraged to explore the initiative's benefits by visiting Dubai Municipality's official website or contacting its call centre at 800900. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Dubai Municipality continues to refine construction regulations to enhance quality of life for all residents. News Source: Emirates News Agency
