The UAE has announced the launch of the “Emirates Villages” project — a Dh1 billion ($272.3 million) initiative aimed at creating a sustainable development model.
The new project, which was announced in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, will develop Emirati villages from economic as well as touristic standpoints.
It aims to create economic and business opportunities to promote social stability and well-being, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement on Wednesday.
The first batch of villages included in the programme will offer 500 economic initiatives or projects for youths.
Emirates Villages represents a new milestone in achieving the vision of the UAE leadership by introducing a sustainable development model that accommodates all regions across the country, while utilising the human capabilities and natural resources of each region, said Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development.
The Emirates Council for Balanced Development is working to achieve sustainable development for all regions through a unique development model based on partnerships between the government, the private sector and local communities.
The new project outlines five developmental tracks, through which the council seeks to create a micro-economy in 10 villages, an official statement said.
It aims to achieve greater involvement of local communities, enhance the involvement of the private sector and advance the sustainable development model by boosting co-operation between federal and local governments.
Sheikh Theyab also reviewed the project’s targets and strategy during the annual meetings of the UAE government, held in Abu Dhabi from November 22-23.
The UAE economy rebounded strongly from the coronavirus pandemic on the back of higher oil prices and government projects to support growth.
Emirates NBD recently raised its UAE growth forecast to 7 per cent in 2022, owing to a higher estimate for the energy industry's output and the “robust growth” of its non-oil sector, setting up the country for its fastest annual expansion since 2011, when output grew by 6.9 per cent.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank projects growth of 6.5 per cent.
In its latest report, the International Monetary Fund said the UAE economy is set to grow by more than 6 per cent this year, after expanding 3.8 per cent in 2021, bolstered by a rebound in tourism, construction and activity related to Expo 2020 Dubai.
An expansion of 6 per cent would be the highest since 2011, when the economy grew by 6.9 per cent.
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UAE megaprojects 2022: 33 new developments in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates
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The Atlantis The Royal hotel in Dubai. It is set to open in March 2023. Getty Images -
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park Phase 5 in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
The Dubai Urban Tech District is slated to create 4,000 jobs. Photo: URB -
Nakheel, the Dubai-based master developer, has unveiled a new vision for Dubai Islands. Photo Nakheel -
Uptown Tower is a new skyscraper set to open in Dubai later this year. Victor Besa / The National -
Al Quoz Creative Zone meeting to approve the master plan. The zone is to expand on a large scale. -
The AlJurf project on the coast between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Courtesy IMKAN -
First look at the Mohammed Bin Rashed Library in Al Jaddaf, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi's design alludes to natural rock formations, reflecting on the its mission of engaging the public with the natural world. Photo: DCT – Abu Dhabi -
The Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences by Aldar will come with spectacular views. Photo: Aldar -
Reem Hills on Reem Island. Courtesy Q Properties -
Masaar is a 19 million square foot project in Sharjah that will include 4,000 villas and townhouses in total. Courtesy Arada -
Aldar's Saadiyat Island mixed-use development. Credit: Aldar Properties -
Al Hamra, the leading lifestyle developer and investment company in Ras Al Khaimah, has announced the launch of an exclusive freehold luxury villa project – the Falcon Island - within the award-winning Al Hamra Village residential community. Photo: Al Hamra -
Museum of The Future lights up in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Blizzard’s Bazaar, Snowflake Garden and Flurries’ Mountain are just some of the unique attractions that will welcome visitors at Snow Abu Dhabi at Reem Mall. Wam -
The steel structure that is Al Wasl Plaza - the heart of the Expo site. Courtesy: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Groundbreaking of Meydan One Mall took place in 2017. Courtesy The Meydan Group -
A dining area at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi. The waterfront destination is was about 90 per cent complete during the early months of 2021. Courtesy: Al Barakah International Investment -
The Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi dominates the skyline out towards Marina Mall. Victor Besa / The National -
Jubail Island will eventually house 5,000 residents. -
SeaWorld AbuDhabi will include six distinct realms which tell a unified and immersive “One Ocean” story and one of the world’s largest and most progressive indoor aquariums. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Government Media Office -
Both towers of One Zaabeel in Dubai have been topped out. -
The first new hotel to have opened on Yas Island in 12 years, the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is located on Yas Bay, beside the Etihad Arena. Courtesy Hilton -
Hatta is being transformed into an attractive local and international destination for business, investment and tourism. Photo: WAM -
Ciel wil be open by 2023 and is set to be the world's tallest hotel. Courtesy The First Group -
Dubai CommerCity's first phase has been launched. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Foundation work and tunnelling is being completed at the Abu Mureikha site in Abu Dhabi of the country's first traditional Hindu stone temple. Courtesy: BAPS Hindu Mandir -
An artist's illustration of the Abrahamic Family House to be built on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Edelman -
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, opened Khor Kalba Fort and also viewed plans for a new museum. Wam -
Progress at the Dibba Fujairah Sports Club Stadium project in Al Ras, Dibba Fujairah. -
Railroad laying works for the second phase of the Etihad Rail project. Wam -
The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is on track to be completed in 2025. Photo: Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
