NATIONAL DAY
MOHAMMAD SAYS HOUSING IS ‘ TOP PRIORITY’ OF ALL RULERS OF THE EMIRATES
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum greets 90- year- old Ali Al Hassani, a resident of Ruhaib, Fujairah, during the Vice- President’s tour of the northern areas yesterday.
Housing initiatives that will benefit 10,000 citizens and valued at Dh5 billion were launched yesterday by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
As part of the plans, launched under the directives of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, preliminary approvals will be made for housing loans and grants valued at Dh3 billion, benefiting 6,000 citizens. Shaikh Mohammad also approved the names of 1,971 housing beneficiaries for grants valued at Dh1 billion.
Shaikh Mohammad announced the initiatives during a tour of the northern emirates, in which he inspected a number of road and Emirati housing projects. Shaikh Mohammad also visited Emiratis and inquired about their needs. He was accompanied by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Shaikh Mohammad ordered the start of construction of three residential compounds valued at Dh1.2 billion, which will be built in the emirates of Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain, providing housing for 1,200 citizens.
Shaikh Mohammad also issued directives to Abdullah Bel Haif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Public Works and Chairman of Zayed Housing Programme ( ZHP), for the immediate distribution of 800 villas in Sharjah and Fujairah.
“Housing for Emiratis tops the priorities of all Rulers of the Emirates,” said Shaikh Mohammad. “I always meet with Shaikh Khalifa, and every single time he inquires about the living conditions of Emiratis. Our talks always focus on ways to provide citizens with a good life. We will never rest until every Emirati is settled in his home, and Shaikh Khalifa is our leader as we follow this approach.
“The Zayed Housing Programme ( ZHP) is named after the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which always serves as a reminder that the welfare of Emiratis remains the government’s top priority. The primary goal of development is ensuring the happiness, satisfaction and welfare of citizens, and that is why delay is not an option when it comes to housing projects.
“I would like to take this opportunity to convey some joyous news to UAE citizens: The future will be even better and brighter. We will be continuously working on increasing the number of beneficiaries, and we are always coordinating with other local government bodies.
“There is always a festive atmosphere in the UAE, and these festivities are spearheaded by National Day celebrations. The way Emiratis have responded to National Day celebrations this year is truly heartwarming.”
Shaikh Mohammad began his tour in Sharjah, as he followed up on progress made on the Al Syouh residential project being carried out by ZHP.
Shaikh Mohammad was briefed by Al Nuaimi on the Dh301 million eco- friendly project that will provide 406 houses. Bel Haif explained to Shaikh Mohammad that 63 per cent of work on the project has been completed.
Shaikh Mohammad also toured a number of completed houses and approved the concept and design, and chose ‘ Ittihad ( the Union) Compound’ as the name of the project.
Shaikh Mohammad then inspected houses that have been completed in the Dh350 million Khalifa Residential Compound project in Dibba Al Fujairah. The project will provide 384 houses for Emiratis.
❝ When I meet with President Shaikh Khalifa, every single time he inquires about the living conditions of Emiratis. Our talks always focus on ways to provide citizens with a good life. We will never rest until every Emirati is settled in his home, and Shaikh Khalifa is our leader as we follow this approach.”
WAM