UAE government launches national housing platform ‘Darak’

Image credit: MOI by WAM

The UAE government has launched the national housing platform “Darak” to promote family and community stability, and to improve the quality of life for UAE citizens.

Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior led the signing ceremony for the launch of “Darak”. He was accompanied by Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, as per state news agency WAM.

“Darak” is an initiative of the Ministry of Possibilities, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and housing departments across the country. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved its launch on May 24 during the meeting of the council of ministers. The launch of “Darak” follows the approval of housing loans for 2,000 Emiratis under the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme.

ترأست اليوم اجتماعاً لمجلس الوزراء بقصر الوطن بأبوظبي اعتمدنا خلاله إعادة تشكيل مجلس إدارة جهاز الإمارات للاستثمار برئاسة أخي الشيخ منصور بن زايد آل نهيان .. الجهاز يدير إستثمارات وتنمية أصول الحكومة الاتحادية ويهدف لرفع دخل ميزانية الإتحاد من خلال هذه الاستثمارات ..

كما أقررنا… pic.twitter.com/oSQwyTh6tj

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) May 24, 2023

Housing platform for citizens

The agreement was signed by representatives from participants from government entities, including the Ministry of Possibilities, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, the Social Solidarity Fund for MOI Staff “Fazaa,” the Federal Youth Authority, the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment, the Sharjah Housing Program, and the Society of Engineers.

The primary aim of the platform is to provide adequate housing for citizens by managing their housing projects and it will aim to reduce the burden of construction costs and alleviate financial hardships on the UAE citizens.

The National Housing Platform, “Darak,” will offer discounts to citizens during the construction process. It provides a discount of up to 10 per cent on general construction costs and up to 25 per cent on furnishing costs.

The platform will allow access to citizens to reach out to business and project opportunities with registered contractors and consultants. It facilitates contracting with professionals in the field, and it offers financing facilities, along with the latest construction-related news, offers, and prices.

“Darak” platform has been developed and designed through the efforts of the Social Solidarity Fund for MOI Staff (Fazaa). This fund, along with its dedicated team of experts, will handle the operational and technical aspects of the platform.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, in coordination with relevant federal and local housing programs, oversees the platform’s activities, which aim to overcome obstacles and challenges faced by individuals who wish to build their homes. Ultimately, the government’s goal is to establish family and community stability while ensuring a sustainable life for its citizens.