Mohammed bin Zayed announces Dh3 billion social plan

A new and sweeping social support programme that will improve living standards and provide financial assistance for eligible families in Abu Dhabi is to be introduced by the end of the year.

In a related announcement funds will also be pumped into several districts for community projects.

The measures will result in the number of housing loans made to Emiratis doubled to 5,000 a year, with reduced waiting times, as well as income levels being taken into account when calculating repayments.

They were revealed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, who said they had been made under the directive of Sheikh Khalifa, the President.

Also announced by Sheikh Mohammed via a series of tweets last night was a budget of Dh3 billion to improve social facilities for citizens and residents across several of Abu Dhabi’s suburbs: Khalifa City, Mohammed bin Zayed City, Shakhbut City and Zayed City.

Studies will be made to investigate the needs and requirements of other residential areas of the emirate, including Al Ain and Dhafra.

Sheikh Mohammed also announced the introduction of a new organisation to be called “Together”, which would promote volunteering, civic engagement and social work in the emirate, involving citizens, residents and institutions with the support of Government bodies.

The measures were revealed at the end of Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, which coincides with the 19th day of Ramadan and is the anniversary of the passing of Sheikh Zayed in 2004.

This year is also the Year of Zayed, marking 100 years since his birth and commemorating his global impact and lasting legacy.

The Founding Father was heralded for his humanitarian work during his life, with caring campaigns here in the UAE and abroad, including supplying food and medicine to those in need and launching vital housing projects.