Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties To Build 2,300 National Housing Units

Abu Dhabi-based property developer Aldar has announced that it is developing around 2,300 housing units for emiratis in the capital and in Al Ain.

The projects have a total developmental value of Dhs5.7 billion and are being fully funded by the Abu Dhabi government, the developer said in a statement.

Aldar’s current projects include a community of 1,020 villas on Yas Island and 996 villas in Al Falah in Abu Dhabi along with 275 villas in Al Ghuraibah area in Al Ain.

All projects are scheduled to be completed by 2016 and will have a level two rating on the Pearl Estidama system, a rating method used by the emirate’s Urban Planning Council to gauge the sustainability of buildings and communities.

The villa community in Yas Island is located over an area of approximately 220 hectares and will have three mosques, two residents clubs, three retail outlets and small food and beverage operations, Aldar said.

The development will also have three schools including one operated by the Abu Dhabi Education Council along with a primary and secondary segregated school for up to 1,800 students, which will be operated by Aldar Academies.

The projects in the Al Falah area and in Al Ain’s Al Ghuraibah area are an extension of the existing master plan communities for UAE nationals. The former consists of five villages and will have 4,857 villas while Aldar’s 275-unit project in Al Ain will feature a range of amenities such as school, a mosque and a retail offering.

Abu Dhabi’s largest property developer is also in the process of handing over 1,887 completed housing units to the government currently. These include 839 villas in the capital’s Watani and Al Raha areas and 448 villas at Sila’a in the Western region.

This would bring the total number of housing units developed for emiratis to 6,744, Aldar said.

The UAE government has been stepping up efforts to provide housing for its citizens with Dubai and Abu Dhabi launching housing projects and financing for emiratis.

Last year, Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum approved a Dhs2.1 billion housing grant for emiratis looking to build their own homes.

The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (SZHP) is expected to help 5,000 families, after Dubai’s ruler approved funding for the scheme.