Sheikh Khaled places focus on housing, health care and education
▶ Abu Dhabi Crown Prince sets out priorities for progress of emirate at Executive Council meeting
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has emphasised the emirate’s plans to boost the quality of life of its citizens by focusing on housing, health care and education.
Sheikh Khaled, who is also Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, set out a vision for the future while leading the first meeting of a restructured council.
It approved an updated housing benefits policy for citizens, which will include providing ready-built homes for those on limited incomes, increasing the value of housing loans to help those in need and reducing waiting times for claimants.
In Thursday’s meeting, held at Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, Sheikh Khaled said the council would continue “the Abu Dhabi government’s commitment to achieving the priorities and vision of President Sheikh Mohamed”, state news agency Wam reported.
Sheikh Khaled directed the development of a future-proof housing services framework, supported by the private sector, to drive up efficiency and improve access to services, Wam reported.
He emphasised the importance of structures being put in place to deliver suitable homes for citizens as soon as possible.
Sheikh Khaled has already taken significant steps to boost housing policies for Emiratis.
Last month, he approved a Dh2.74 billion ($746 million) housing support initiative for citizens living in the capital.
Assistance for 1,800 citizens will be delivered under the directives of Sheikh Mohamed.
Limited-income retirees and families of deceased mortgage holders will not to be required to make housing loan repayments under the strategy.
Housing loans will also be provided to eligible citizens.
Last week, Sheikh Khaled approved a Dh85.4 billion community masterplan to build 76,000 homes and residential plots for citizens in Abu Dhabi over the next five years.
The long-term investment will support efforts to develop integrated community housing and neighbourhoods across the emirate.
The major project will include community and recreational amenities, including mosques, schools, public parks and green spaces.
Sheikh Khaled was told of progress being made in the first phase of a Dh12 billion liveability strategy, which encompasses the development of community sites in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
These include pedestrian and bicycle paths, sports centres, health clinics, mosques, public parks and green spaces.
Sheikh Khaled gave instructions for the next stage of the strategy, in line with wider efforts to establish sustainable neighbourhoods that promote healthy lifestyles and are in keeping with Emirati culture and traditions. He also called for government services to be upgraded to provide better experiences for customers.
Sheikh Khaled emphasised the importance of empowering citizens and youth and ensuring they are given a platform to succeed.
He gave directives for the launch of more programmes aimed at allowing young people to unlock their potential in the public and private sectors and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economic growth.
Sheikh Mohamed, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, in March issued an Emiri decree to restructure the Abu Dhabi Executive Council with Sheikh Khaled as its chairman.
Members include Dr Ahmed Al Mazrouei, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office and the Strategic Affairs Council, and Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and Strategic Affairs Council.
Also named as members were Jassem Al Zaabi, chairman of the Department of Finance and the Strategic Affairs Council, Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, chairman of the Department of Community Development, and Awaidha Al Marar, chairman of the Department of Energy.
Sheikh Khaled directed the development of a housing services framework, supported by the private sector