Latest news with #ValueHousingProgramme
Khaleej Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi inspects illegal partitions, explores affordable housing for residents
Abu Dhabi authorities have stepped up efforts to prevent overcrowded and illegally divided villas, echoing concerns that came to the fore in Dubai last month following a city-wide clampdown on unauthorised accommodations. While routine inspections and stricter enforcement are already in place, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) says it is also exploring long-term solutions that would make affordable housing more accessible to lower-income residents — including the potential refurbishment of older buildings and the reclassification of existing units for regulated shared use. 'As Abu Dhabi's population continues to grow, ensuring access to affordable, quality housing remains a key priority,' said Mohamed Almaazmi, Advisor at DMT. 'Efforts have been made to introduce a broader mix of housing options that cater to different income segments, including low- and middle-income residents.' Among the government's key initiatives is the Value Housing Programme, which encourages the development of reasonably priced units — from studios to larger apartments, within well-connected communities. The programme is part of the capital's preparation for an expected population increase of more than two million residents by 2040. In recent weeks, increased attention has been paid to unregulated subletting practices that have surfaced in older villas and apartments, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods. 'Common issues include unauthorised subletting and rental arrangements conducted outside official channels,' Almaazmi said. 'In particular, some accommodations are found to be leased through informal agreements that are not registered within the approved tenancy contract system, Tawtheeq.' The municipality is carrying out regular inspections and has rolled out public awareness campaigns such as 'your home, your responsibility ', urging landlords and tenants alike to formalise all rental agreements. Penalties for non-compliance can include fines and the suspension of access to tenancy registration services. However, Almaazmi noted that the department is 'open to a range of solutions that support varying housing needs beyond new construction alone". This includes the possible reclassification of older properties for legal shared use, provided safety and regulatory standards are met. 'Existing buildings may be eligible for reclassification through established channels,' he said. 'At the same time, opportunities to encourage the refurbishment of older properties are being explored as part of broader actions to expand the availability of affordable housing in a balanced and sustainable manner.' The approach suggests a more flexible stance than what has recently been observed in Dubai, where authorities have issued eviction notices to tenants occupying partitioned villas and other unauthorised conversions. In Abu Dhabi, housing violations are handled on a case-by-case basis. 'While compliance is essential, all cases are handled in a manner consistent with regulations and broader community welfare,' Almaazmi noted. Authorities are also working with private developers to boost investment in affordable housing and worker accommodations, aiming to reduce the need for informal or illegal arrangements. 'The broader objective is to support the development of well-integrated, sustainable communities and encourage more formal, accessible housing solutions over time,' he added.
What's On
19-03-2025
- Business
- What's On
Have you heard of Abu Dhabi's new housing programme?
Fostering the spirit of community… Only six months ago, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) launched the Abu Dhabi Rental index, which offers renters, buyers, and owners data-driven insights into Abu Dhabi's rental market. Now, Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has launched the Value Housing Programme, aimed at enhancing the city's real estate market. The new initiative, whose rollout has been planned in stages, is a partnership between the DMT, Sdeira Group and Central Holding Group, and will aim to provide high-quality, affordable housing for individuals and families, in line with the UAE's vision of 2025 as the Year of Community. It will focus on creating sustainable housing in the UAE capital, while helping to meet growing demand. And while cutting-edge tech and innovation are expected to headline these new housing projects, it all comes down to what the UAE's Year of Community vision stands for – family unity, social cohesion, and collective solidarity to drive national progress and development. Abu Dhabi has been ranked the most liveable city in the MENA region by the Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index 2024, and the new Value Housing Programme will build on this accolade. The UAE capital's housing market is experiencing unprecedented growth, and initiatives such as the new programme ensure multiple benefits including sustainable housing, healthy supply, an improved standard of living and a stronger sense of community – while reshaping the city's real estate landscape. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Khaleej Times
17-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi launches new affordable housing initiative to boost quality of life
In an effort to enhance the real estate landscape and improve the quality of life for its residents, Abu Dhabi is rolling out a new initiative focused on affordable, high-quality housing. Value Housing Programme will be rolled out in phases, with a focus on improving living standards for individuals and families. Launched by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the initiative also aims to strengthen social integration and foster community bonds, which are central to the Year of Community. By offering affordable, high-quality housing, the programme emphasises the commitment to building dynamic, inclusive communities. As part of this initiative, DMT has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Sdeira Group (formerly KEZAD Communities) and Central Holding Group (CHG). By leveraging their extensive global experience, the partnership between DMT and CHG aims to drive collaboration, share knowledge, and amplify the effectiveness and impact of affordable housing across Abu Dhabi. Commenting on the initiative, Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT, noted that the MoU agreements aim to create vibrant and thriving neighbourhoods that would set new benchmarks for quality and innovation. 'These partnerships underscore our dedication to delivering housing solutions that adhere to our principles of inclusivity and sustainability. They are a crucial step in addressing the growing demand for housing in the Emirate, while improving living standards and providing avenues for everyone to access housing that enhances their well-being,' Al Shorafa said. DMT is also committed to working closely with investors, developers, and partners to drive the programme forward. Through strategic partnerships, the department aims to reshape the real estate sector and ensure the versatility of Abu Dhabi's housing market, offering diverse options for all segments of society. Furthermore, the DMT is committed to working closely with investors, developers, and partners to identify new opportunities and drive the Value Housing Programme forward. These efforts contribute to Abu Dhabi's recognition as the most liveable city in the MENA region, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2024.
Zawya
17-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DMT launches new value housing programme in Abu Dhabi
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has announced the launch of a new Value Housing Programme to bolster versatility in the emirate's real estate market. The initiative, which will be rolled out in strategic phases, aims to improve the living standards for individuals and families alike, strengthening social integration and foster community bonds– which form key elements underpinning the Year of Community. By ensuring the housing units are both affordable and of exceptional quality, the programme underscores a commitment to cultivating dynamic and inclusive communities. As part of this effort, DMT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sdeira Group (formerly KEZAD Communities) to develop a range of residential units and commercial assets. The Group was selected for its strong reputation in Abu Dhabi, with extensive expertise in real estate, investment, and asset management. DMT has also signed an MoU with Central Holding Group (CHG), a leading investment, asset management, and real estate firm. CHG was chosen for its proven expertise in real estate development, both locally and internationally, mixed with pioneering strategies that integrate cutting-edge technologies across the Group's real estate projects. By leveraging their extensive global experience, the partnership between DMT and CHG aims to drive collaboration, share knowledge, and amplify the effectiveness and impact of affordable housing across Abu Dhabi. Commenting on the initiative, Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT, noted that the MoU agreements aim to create vibrant and thriving neighbourhoods that would set new benchmarks for quality and innovation. 'These partnerships underscore our dedication to delivering housing solutions that adhere to our principles of inclusivity and sustainability. They are a crucial step in addressing the growing demand for housing in the Emirate, while improving living standards and providing avenues for everyone to access housing that enhances their well-being,' Al Shorafa said. Furthermore, the Department is committed to working closely with investors, developers, and partners to identify new opportunities and drive the Value Housing Programme forward. By fostering strategic partnerships, it seeks to drive sustained growth, reshape the real estate sector, and ensure the versatility of Abu Dhabi's housing market by offering diverse options for all segments of society. These efforts not only support the Emirate's high standards of liveability but have also contributed to Abu Dhabi being recognised as the most liveable city in the MENA region by the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2024.
Al Etihad
17-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Department of Municipalities and Transport launches Value Housing Programme in Abu Dhabi
17 Mar 2025 15:18 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has launched the Value Housing Programme to bolster versatility in the emirate's real estate programme, which will be rolled out in strategic phases, aims to improve the living standards for individuals and families alike, strengthening social integration and fostering community bonds – which form key elements underpinning the UAE Year of ensuring the housing units are both affordable and of exceptional quality, the programme underscores a commitment to cultivating dynamic and inclusive part of this effort, DMT signed an agreement with Sdeira Group (previously KEZAD Communities) to develop a range of residential units and commercial assets. DMT also signed an agreement with Central Holding Group, a leading real estate and asset management company in Abu Dhabi, to promote collaboration, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and enhance the efficiency and impact of housing initiatives across the Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT, said the agreements aim to create vibrant and thriving neighbourhoods that would set new benchmarks for quality and Excellency said: 'These partnerships underscore our dedication to delivering housing solutions that adhere to our principles of inclusivity and sustainability. They are a crucial step in addressing the growing demand for housing in the emirate, while improving living standards and providing opportunities for everyone to access housing that enhances their wellbeing.'The department is committed to working closely with investors, developers, and partners to identify new opportunities and drive the Value Housing Programme forward. By fostering strategic partnerships, it seeks to drive sustained growth, reshape the real estate sector, and ensure the versatility of Abu Dhabi's housing market by offering diverse options for all segments of society. These efforts not only support the emirate's high standards of liveability but have also contributed to Abu Dhabi being recognised as the most liveable city in the MENA region by the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2024. Year of Community Continue full coverage
