$1.9bn housing plan for Emiratis okayed

ABU DHABI / WAM

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the construction of 7,270 housing units for Emiratis across different parts of the UAE at a total cost of AED7.2 billion ($1.9 billion) to be delivered up until 2021.
Chairing a cabinet meeting on Sunday at the Presidential Palace, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, “His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan set the cornerstone and established an integrated housing system in the UAE at the service of the citizens which has been contributing the wellbeing and prosperity of our people.” 80 percent of Emiratis own their homes which is one of the highest percentages globally, he added.
“Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we have implemented housing projects in various emirates with the highest standards of quality and sustainability and with careful consideration of the social style of the Emirati family,” His Highness noted. “We have directed the concerned authorities responsible for housing projects in the UAE to provide the residential neighbourhoods with the best infrastructure services to meet the aspirations of our people,” His Highness concluded.
The Cabinet also issued a decision approving the implementation of the national strategy to establish and strengthen research and development centres in the health sector in cooperation with academic institutions in the country. The strategy aims to create health research centres that contribute to finding solutions to current health concerns by promoting research and epidemiological studies, improved health services and the health economy.
The Cabinet also issued a resolution appointing the Board of Director for the General Authority for Sports under the Chairmanship of Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, with its membership including representatives from across the UAE.
The Cabinet also issued a resolution on community green spaces planned for educational institutions, residential complexes and government buildings, in line with the Vision of the UAE 2021 to establish an integrated lifestyle enhanced by outstanding government services, and the development of diverse social and cultural activities in a healthy environment and a rich natural environment.