Sheikh Mohammed approves plans for two residential communities for citizens

UAE VP, PM and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum has approved plans for two residential communities that will be built for citizens in Dubai, state news agency WAM reported.

The communities will have a total of 8,000 plots with each plot measuring 12,000 square feet.

Dubai Municipality’s director general Hussain Nasser Lootah said that Sheikh Mohammed had ordered the distribution of land to eligible citizens in Wadi Safa – an extension of Nad Al Sheba – and Al Aweer 1.

He added that a communities of 1,400 villas and 1,000 villas will be built in Wadi Safa and Al Aweer 1 respectively.

The two residential areas will be fully serviced with mosques, gardens, schools, sports facilities, shopping centres, clinics, libraries and other essential services.

Lootah said that population growth led to a rise in demand for residential land in the emirate. This in turn prompted the municipality to etch out and plan new areas to build homes for Emiratis.

The value of the projects was not disclosed.

The UAE, like other Gulf Arab countries, spends a large amount on social welfare for its citizens. Providing free or low cost housing to Emiratis is one of the welfare measures widely adopted by the state.

Recently the UAE launched Emirates Development Bank, a state-owned lender focussed on financing housing projects for nationals. The bank aims to provide low cost housing to 3,000 citizens by 2021.

Earlier this year, Sheikh Mohammed approved housing projects worth Dhs 3.6bn as part of Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment.

Another scheme by Abu Dhabi-government-owned builder Aldar, launched last year, will provide around 2,300 units of housing for Emiratis in the capital and in Al Ain. The projects have a total developmental value of Dhs 5.7bn and are being fully funded by the Abu Dhabi government, the developer said in a statement.

These are in addition to Dhs 2.1bn of housing grants provided to Emiratis looking to build their own homes.

The scheme was approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum in 2013 and will be provided under the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, which is expected to help 5,000 families.