Sheikh Mohammed approves UAE infrastructure projects worth Dhs 7bn

Infrastructure projects in the United Arab Emirates worth Dhs 7bn have received approval from the country’s Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

He approved the projects for the ministry of Infrastructure Development during a field visit to the east coast on Monday.

The projects include approvals for housing aid, the building of new residential complexes, roads, schools, health centres and government buildings, official news agency WAM reported.

Up to Dhs 5bn has been allocated for citizen accommodation projects that will benefit 42,000 people over the next five years.

Sheikh Mohammed said: “Housing is an essential service, and is every citizen’s right, and a priority for the government. We do not accept any delay or disruption in providing residential assistance to citizens.”

He inspected 12 residential complexes that will be replicated by the ministry of Infrastructure nationwide.

Sheikh Mohammed also approved 17 new projects worth Dhs 1.5bn, which will be implemented by the ministry in 2016 and 2017, WAM reported.

“Government project workers and innovators have our full appreciation. Our communication is open to all teams and our criteria for assessing performance will be on the field and on the ground, and not through office reports,” he said.

Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed a number of road projects and approved the extension of Emirates Road leading to the Ras al-Khaimah ring road and the Khatm Al Milaha road reaching Fujairah.

He visited a new design model for public schools in the country in Kalba which features laboratories, learning centres and modern facilities. He was also briefed about the new plans and programmes planned by the education ministry.

Sheikh Mohammed also visited the youth sports complex in Fujairah and ordered setting up a similar facility in Ras al-Khaimah.

“Development must be achieved comprehensively and be balanced across all regions of the country,” he said.

“We will continue to follow up all sectors in the fields, and the infrastructure projects will be at the top of the agenda to provide a decent living conditions for the citizens.”