WAM, the official Emirates news agency, has reported that the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has approved the construction of 7,200 housing units for Emiratis across different parts of the UAE at a total cost of $1.9 billion to be delivered up until 2021. The budget equates to approximately $264,000 per home.

While chairing a cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said: “His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan set the cornerstone and established an integrated housing system in the UAE at the service of the citizens which has been contributing the wellbeing and prosperity of our people.”

Currently, 80% of Emiratis own their homes which is one of the highest percentages globally, he added.

“Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we have implemented housing projects in various emirates with the highest standards of quality and sustainability and with careful consideration of the social style of the Emirati family,” His Highness noted. “We have directed the concerned authorities responsible for housing projects in the UAE to provide the residential neighbourhoods with the best infrastructure services to meets the aspirations of our people.”

In addition to the housing budget the Cabinet also issued a resolution on community green spaces planned for educational institutions, residential complexes and government buildings, in line with the “Vision of the UAE 2021 to establish an integrated lifestyle enhanced by outstanding government services, and the development of diverse social and cultural activities in a healthy environment and a rich natural environment. The Cabinet also passed a resolution on the cultivation of local plants and nature conservation in order to preserve the natural habitat and increase the natural vegetation in the UAE.”