Abu Dhabi reveals housing approvals for Emiratis

Abu Dhabi has issued 759 housing approvals worth AED616 million ($168 million) in the first quarter of 2026 as part of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme.

These included 129 housing grants and benefits worth AED103 million, 583 housing loans and financing provided alongside national banks totalling AED461 million and 47 government housing loans within residential complexes worth AED53 million, the UAE state-run Wam news agency reported, citing a statement from the energy and infrastructure ministry.

Since it was established in 1999 the housing programme has issued more than 73,000 housing support decisions, valued at more than AED50 billion.

Through a public-private partnership model, the initiative has eliminated more than 12,000 backlog applications, increased the fulfillment rate from 34 percent to 94 percent and supported a 91 percent homeownership rate.

The Emirates energy and infrastructure minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei said the rapid progress was in line with its “We the UAE 2031” and UAE Centennial 2071 goals to support citizens’ wellbeing.

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In September 2025 Abu Dhabi announced the development of 13 new communities for Emiratis, comprising more than 40,000 residential units and plots, at a total cost of AED106 billion.

In the same month the emirate said it would invest AED42 billion in projects aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life.

In July 2025 the UAE announced a total federal budget allocation of AED900 billion for its 2027-29 budget cycle.