A new educational program titled ‘How to Construct Your Home?’ was inaugurated on Tuesday by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE) in partnership with the New Economy Academy.
This initiative aims to empower young Emirati citizens, especially those preparing for marriage, by providing crucial insights into effectively and sustainably planning and building their homes.
Dr. Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy, shared with Khaleej Times, “This comprehensive training program is designed to equip young Emiratis associated with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment with the necessary skills to efficiently and sustainably plan and construct their homes, emphasizing budget management, effective use of financial resources, and avoiding typical construction mistakes.”
The program will span three days beginning Tuesday and will deliver extensive guidance and practical knowledge to assist participants throughout their home construction journey.
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At the launch, Omar Bushahab, CEO of MBRHE, stated that the training aims to assist 300 Emiratis who are planning to build their homes. “The program provides a comprehensive experience with contributions from top experts in both government and private sectors, including the Community Development Authority, Dubai Municipality, the Federal Tax Authority, and e& UAE,” he stated.
Key Features
Participants will have access to a detailed guide that includes information on housing services, construction standards, smart home systems, and practices related to sustainable home management.
The sessions will address essential topics such as estimating construction expenses, establishing a suitable budget, selecting the right home size, and ensuring the home design meets financial resources and family needs.
Moreover, participants will learn about the differences between constructing a new home and acquiring a pre-built one, along with a summary of available financing options.
Understanding Taxation
Khalid Al Bustani, Director-General of the Federal Tax Authority, highlighted the significance of tax awareness. “Participants should retain all invoices for residential expenses to recover VAT on housing-related costs,” he remarked.
As reported by Wam, applicants must fulfill three primary criteria to qualify for VAT reimbursement: they must be UAE nationals, the expenses must pertain to a newly constructed home for personal or family use, and the expenses must relate to specific services and construction materials from contractors. Applications should be submitted within six months post-completion of the home.
National Programs
This initiative is in line with the ‘Year of Community’ proclaimed by the UAE President and is part of the ‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’ established by Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. The program aims to uphold Emirati values while enhancing family stability, which is essential for social unity and national growth.
MBRHE has formed a specialized team of seasoned engineers and supervisors to develop a thorough guide titled ‘How to Construct Your Home.’ This resource is intended to assist citizens at every phase of the home building process and is available for download on their website.