Sheikh Mohamed orders disbursement of Dh1.5 billion worth of housing benefits to Abu Dhabi citizens

Second package in 2022 coincides with Eid Al Adha celebrations

By Web Desk

Published: Mon 11 Jul 2022, 4:25 PM

Last updated: Mon 11 Jul 2022, 10:59 PM

Housing benefits worth Dh1.5 billion will be disbursed to Abu Dhabi citizens, covering more than 1,100 beneficiaries in the emirate, authorities announced on Monday.

UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, ordered the disbursement of housing package to ensure social stability and help citizens raise strong, stable families that will benefit the future of the UAE.

This is the second package in 2022, which coincides with Eid Al Adha celebrations and includes grants for houses, housing loans, and exemptions from loan repayments.

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Under the directives of Mohamed bin Zayed, the housing benefits to be disbursed to Abu Dhabi citizens includes grants for houses and housing loans with a total value of Dh1.5 billion.

The grants will be given to retirees and families of deceased mortgagors to be exempt from loan repayments.

In April 2022, Sheikh Mohamed ordered the disbursement of housing loans to 1,347 citizens in Abu Dhabi, worth a total of Dh2.36 billion. It was the first housing package this year, which coincided with Eid Al Fitr celebrations.

The packages form part of the UAE's leadership's ongoing commitment to further strengthening citizens' contribution to the advancement of society by maintaining high living standards as part of tightly-knit, connected communities.

Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, earlier said that Abu Dhabi Housing Authority is continually working towards a modern and sustainable housing ecosystem that enhances social stability and cohesion and also meets Emirati families' needs in line with the leadership's vision.

Dr Mohammad Rashid Ahmad Al Hameli, Director General of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said that immediately after the leadership issues the directives, they contact beneficiaries to expedite the process so they can claim their housing benefits.

"This is part of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority's strategy to provide high quality, efficient services to UAE citizens and to make their journey seamless and effortless," he said.

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UAE nationals who have worked for at least 15 years and lived in the UAE for a decade or longer can apply for loans ranging from Dh500,000 to Dh2.25 million from the government. These are for buying a home or a plot of land upon which to build a house.

This loan is repaid over the remainder of their lives but can sometimes be waived if a directive is issued. Typically, these directives exempt retired or low-income Emiratis.

The loans are distributed by the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme. An alternative scheme is run by the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority.

The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority said on its website that it was also working on expanding the base of beneficiaries of financial grants to allow citizens with lower income to receive a loan of Dh1,250,000. The loan is repaid only when the beneficiary's financial situation has improved. The payment is done through instalments for a period not exceeding 25 years.