Housing assistance and loans provided by the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, since it was founded in 1999, have reached AED30 billion, revealed Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Programme.

He stressed that the government housing sector is one of the government’s priorities, as the wise leadership remains concerned about providing a dignified living to citizens. ''So far, we have built 30,000 homes, while 27 others are under construction," he noted in a statement to mark World Habitat Day 2017.

The minister said that the leadership’s interest is the reason why housing is a prominent topic, which was discussed during the annual meetings of the UAE government. The aim is to realise the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071, while considering housing a government priority to achieve happiness for the citizens, as the foundation of the UAE’s overall development process.

Dr. Al Nuaimi stated that housing is one of the basic factors in achieving security and stability for individuals, which is why it is a major part of the country’s policies. Realising the goals of these policies demands considerable efforts, including launching integrated housing programmes and transforming outdated houses to modern residences, such as integrated housing complexes. The ministry and the programme are working according to this process, he added.

He further stressed that the UAE government spares no efforts to achieve residential stability and ensure the happiness and welfare of its citizens, as part of the directives of the wise leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses, the Sheikhs, the Rulers of the UAE.

The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.

The theme this year is ‘Housing Policies: Affordable Homes.’