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Observer
21-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Al Buraimi Oasis project 72% complete
AL BURAIMI: Al Buraimi Governorate organised its 2025 media briefing as part of its efforts to enhance communication with the media, highlight key developmental achievements made in 2024 and outline future plans for the coming period. The event aimed to strengthen communication channels between the governorate and the community while updating media professionals on ongoing developmental projects and initiatives. This aligns with the principle of transparency and reinforces the media's role in supporting development efforts. Held at the Al Salam Grand Resort in Al Buraimi, the event was attended by several officials and media representatives. It featured a visual presentation about the governorate, followed by a speech by Sayyid Dr Hamad bin Ahmed al Busaidy, Governor of Al Buraimi, who highlighted key indicators for 2024 and the governorate's initiatives. These included the 'Plant Your Home" initiative, the 'Community Partnership" initiative to monitor progress in developmental projects and the collaboration between the Governor's Office and the University of Al Buraimi to organise the 'Job Opportunities Forum" for employment. The event also addressed major achievements and projects, such as the economic zone in Al Rawdah and the Hafeet Rail Network project. Additionally, future plans were discussed, including Al Buraimi Oasis — Downtown Hub project, which is 72 per cent complete. The project features shaded seating areas, pedestrian walkways, green spaces and a reflective pool in front of Al Hila Fort, serving as an iconic aesthetic element. Another project highlighted was the artificial lake, which includes six chalets, a children's play island and a café, with 57 per cent of its construction completed. Eng Moosa Said al Abri, Director General of Al Buraimi Municipality, provided a detailed presentation on key ongoing projects, reviewing progress rates for several infrastructure developments. These include the design and construction of 100 km of internal roads (Phase 2) across the governorate's wilayats and the maintenance of roads affected by recent weather conditions, with remaining work under way. He noted that asphalt road maintenance has been assigned to a company for five years. Other projects discussed were urban beautification initiatives and the automated shading system in the Central Market, which is 100 per cent complete. This project supports small and medium enterprise vendors by providing a comfortable work environment that protects them from weather conditions and enhances their commercial activity. On her turn, Ruqaya bint Rashid al Yahyaeiyah, Director of Planning and Investment at the Governor's Office, highlighted Al Buraimi's key advantages and achievements across various sectors. These include the logistics sector, where the dualisation of Al Buraimi-Mahadha road is under way, with the final concept and design approved and tendering expected soon. She also discussed major investment opportunities in food security, valued at approximately RO 34 million and urban planning. She added that 30 developmental and investment opportunities were presented through the 'Tatweer" platform, targeting 83 beneficiaries in 2025. Additionally, an agreement was signed to develop the Integrated Residential Neighbourhood (Hayy Al Salam) project, a modern housing option that will be provided in accordance with approved regulations to meet growing housing demand and enhance quality of life. The meeting included a dialogue session where media inquiries were addressed and various topics related to developmental and service-related affairs in the governorate were discussed. — ONA
Khaleej Times
18-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: How new programme on building homes helps manage finances, misconceptions
Emirati participants expressed their gratitude for the launch of the 'How to Build Your Home' programme, saying it helped correct many misconceptions and reduced the stress they felt about starting the construction process. The programme, organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE), brought together citizens who have received land and either a financial grant or a housing loan worth Dh1 million. Their shared goal is to build within a clear and realistic budget. The programme is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment's efforts under the 'Year of the Community' initiative. It offers participants tools to plan their homes within their means. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Inside a hall with building models and floor plans, Emiratis with a loan or grant from MBRHE gathered to learn how to build their homes. Some had complete plans. Others came to understand the process. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Hamid Al Shamsi, 33, a real estate consultant from Dubai, said: 'I joined the program to learn. We've always heard that consultants and contractors take advantage. I wanted to see for myself.' Al Shamsi added that many people begin construction without explicit knowledge. 'Even the homeowner sometimes doesn't know how to deal with a contractor, doesn't know prices, or the steps involved.' Understanding the process One of the participants, Mona Al Zarooni said the workshop helped her understand the timeline from grant approval to working with the municipality and contractor. She said: 'I thought everything would move on its own after the grant. But now I understand each step.' She received a land and loan grant and was unsure how much extra money would be needed. 'I learned that there needs to be an extra 20 to 30 per cent in the budget for internal work and design. No one explained that before,' she added. She also said she looked into smart home systems. 'They cost more initially, but later they reduce the bills and help manage power use.' The programme also introduced smart home systems, which are not required but can control electricity and reduce bills over time. 'Planning for life' Abdulrahman Tariq Al Tamimi from Dubai received a land grant in Al Aweer. He said the workshop helped reduce his concerns. 'I have a basic plan for the house, but now I want to sit with my wife, explain what I learned, and decide together. This kind of information is not easy to get,' he noted. Sessions for the 'How to Build Your Home' programme are taking place at the New Economy Academy in Dubai. Discussions include lectures and workshops on budgeting, selecting a contractor, reviewing contracts, managing loans, and handling VAT refunds. Experts are also encouraging participants to review their house plans during the sessions to identify mistakes and ensure they have the correct plan. Tareq Al Hammadi pointed out that several common misconceptions can drive up construction costs. These include choosing the lowest bid without checking quality, changing designs during construction, skipping contract review, and not involving family members in the process. 'Planning to build a house is like planning for life. Use knowledge. If you plan well, you may spend less than expected. But without knowledge, costs increase. Don't sign anything unless you understand it," advised the engineer.
Zawya
06-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Department of Municipalities and Transport launches latest round of Your Home, Your Responsibility campaign
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has launched the latest round of its awareness campaign Your Home, Your Responsibility. The initiative forms part of its ongoing mandate to enhance residents' quality of life, as well as improve cohesion in line with the aspirations of the UAE Year of Community. The campaign aims to prevent the adverse effects of overcrowding in buildings by emphasising compliance with the Regulation of Occupancy of Properties and Residential Units in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It coincides with increased on-site inspections by DMT, which will enforce strict measures against violators and suspicious residences. It also underscores the necessity for property owners and investors to adhere to property occupancy laws and cooperate in implementing leasing standards. Companies are also urged to provide housing for the lower-income demographic within approved accommodations. Furthermore, the overoccupancy campaign aims to enhance tenant awareness, stressing their responsibility to prevent violations of property occupancy regulations. This includes refraining from renting units with undisclosed contracts and making sure that rental properties are registered in the Tawtheeq system and that all cars are registered in their respective Mawaqif zone. HE Dr Saif Sultan Al Nasri, Acting Undersecretary at DMT, said: "Through this awareness campaign, we aim to emphasise the importance that landlords and tenants adhere to the law regulating properties and residential units' occupancy. This is to alleviate the adverse effects of property overoccupancy, while safeguarding the health and safety of the emirate's residents. 'As one of DMT's top priorities, we continuously strive to provide resolutions and measures that enhance the happiness and wellbeing of the community, this coincides with the introduction of our long-term affordable housing initiative to bolster the versatility of Abu Dhabi's real estate market. However, our goals can only be achieved through collaboration among all stakeholders, including entities and individuals, to fulfil the campaign's objectives." DMT reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law through intensive inspections targeting non-compliant properties and residential units. Such efforts aim to identify several violations to prevent overcrowding, as well as implement administrative penalties and fines ranging from AED5,000 to AED500,000. Moreover, any repeated offenses will incur fines of up to AED1 million. Violators will also risk additional fines and the impounding of non-registered cars for illegal parking in designated residential zones by Mawaqif. DMT noted that it reserves the right to implement any additional measures as necessary, including the suspension of both Tawtheeq contracts and accounts, for landlords and investors. As part of its ongoing efforts, DMT is calling on property owners, real estate management companies, and residents to ensure compliance with existing rules and regulations. About the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) Established in 2019, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) was created by merging the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities with the Department of Transport. DMT's mandate is simple: devising, delivering, and developing services that enable the entire Abu Dhabi community to realise its full potential, while strengthening the Emirate's reputation as world-class destination to live, work, and visit. Empowered by the values of good governance, the department actively supports the Abu Dhabi government's ambition to spearhead progressive urban planning and transportation, resulting in economic growth and transformative investments across the Emirate. From infrastructure, facilities, and transportation to pedestrian and cycling pathways, parks, schools, places of worship, and more, DMT strives to meet every resident's needs and enhance their overall quality of life. This is achieved by providing efficient services across three regional municipalities - Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra – and overseeing the ongoing development of the Emirate's land, air, and maritime transport networks. Driven by innovation and sustainability, the DMT aims to build smart cities, adapt to change, and sustain prosperity for future generations across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. For more information about DMT's recent updates, follow us on: Twitter @AbudhabiDMT Instagram Facebook
