The UAE has approved AED1.2 billion in housing support for 1,838 citizens in the first half of 2025, reaffirming its commitment to improving quality of life and strengthening social stability through the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme.
Since its inception, the programme has delivered AED50 billion in housing support, benefiting more than 93,000 Emiratis. The initiative is part of the country’s long-term strategy to empower families and drive sustainable urban development.
The UAE Cabinet has also rolled out a new financing policy for the programme extending to 2041. The plan targets 40,000 housing support decisions in four phases, with 13,000 in the first phase alone at an estimated AED11.5 billion. The new model integrates federal funding with support from national banks, easing the financial load on the treasury while offering more flexible financing options for citizens.
Between 2021 and 2024, the programme recorded a 50% cut in processing time for support decisions and increased homeownership among Emiratis to 91% — a 17% rise since 2017. Private sector contributions now account for 76% of housing funding.
Complementary initiatives such as the “Flexible Loan” and “Reuse of Housing Assistance Value” offer tailored financial solutions, while the award-winning “Manzili” bundle has drastically reduced red tape, saving millions of work hours and slashing emissions.
In a further show of global leadership, the UAE has been elected President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly and secured a seat on its Executive Board, strengthening its voice in international housing and urban development efforts.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
