Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced on Friday that over Dh1 billion worth of housing applications were approved for more than 1,300 citizens through the Zayed Housing Programme in January alone.
The Dubai Ruler shared the milestone on social media, revealing that the number of beneficiaries is expected to rise throughout the year, with all housing requests to be fulfilled. He also highlighted that over the past two years, approximately 13,000 citizen applications have been processed and approved.
"Over the past two years, 13,000 applications for citizens were closed and approved. The current waiting time before obtaining approval is two months, which is among the shortest waiting periods in the world," Sheikh Mohammed said in his post.
Looking ahead, Sheikh Mohammed shared ambitious plans to further streamline the housing approval process. "Our goal is to develop an integrated system to link all financing and housing agencies, enabling approval within just one day," he stated. "The citizen deserves better service, a better life, and a more beautiful future, God willing."
In a related update, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme has increased housing aid for citizens building homes in designated residential compounds to Dh1.2 million. Those building outside these areas will receive a capped amount of Dh800,000 in support.
This move builds on a significant announcement made in June 2024, when Sheikh Mohammed approved Dh1.68 billion in housing support under the same programme. The funding will cover 2,160 new homes, continuing the UAE's commitment to improving the living standards of its citizens.
The enhanced housing loan process is part of the UAE's broader Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, which aims to reduce red tape and simplify procedures for the benefit of its people.
