The Sheikh Zayed Housing Program, which operates under the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, has approved 14,000 housing decisions over the past three years. These approvals include both government housing options and housing financing in partnership with national banks, encompassing financing plans, housing loans, and grants specifically aimed at individuals with limited income.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the inaugural Forbes Middle East Summit titled “Building the Future” in Abu Dhabi, Engineer Mohammed Al Mansoori, Director of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program, emphasized that in line with the guidance of the wise leadership, the program is working on future plans aimed at issuing housing decisions within one day. These plans involve direct integration with budgets and the development of a mechanism to issue proactive housing decisions for citizens upon marriage, meeting the aspirations of the UAE population while enhancing social welfare and family stability.
Al Mansoori highlighted that the program has made significant strides in recent years through innovative financing policies in collaboration with the private sector, with over 70% of housing decision financing sourced from private partnerships. Additionally, the home ownership rate among citizens has reached 91%, one of the highest globally, while the waiting list for housing decisions has been reduced by more than 95%.
The Sheikh Zayed Housing Program continues its efforts to anticipate the future of government housing in the UAE, seeking solutions and addressing future needs in cooperation with relevant authorities in both governmental and private sectors through initiatives, plans, and facilitation measures that ensure the provision of a dignified standard of living for citizens.