Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has approved the initiative, valued at Dh2.18 billion. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has approved the initiative, valued at Dh2.18 billion. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has approved the initiative, valued at Dh2.18 billion. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has approved the initiative, valued at Dh2.18 billion. Photo: Presidential Court

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince approves Dh2.18 billion housing plan for citizens


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Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has approved the first housing benefits package of the year.

Valued at Dh2.18 billion ($590 million), the benefits will be distributed among 1,502 of the emirate’s citizens.

The package includes housing loans, ready-built houses and residential land grants totalling Dh2.082 billion for 1,407 citizens.

Under the plan, senior citizens, retired people with limited incomes and the families of deceased citizens have been exempted from housing loan payments, amounting to more than Dh98 million for 95 Emiratis.

The housing support is being delivered under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

“This further reiterates our unwavering commitment to enhancing the housing sector for citizens in the emirate, in line with the vision of our leadership and their aspirations to enhance the quality of life for the people of our nation,” said Mohamed Al Shorafa, chairman of the board of directors of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority.

The move brings the total value of housing benefits disbursed in the capital since the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority in 2012 to Dh149 billion.

UAE leaders regularly rubber-stamp housing benefit projects to boost the quality of life of Emiratis across the country.

Last month, a Dh3.5 billion plan to offer 1,146 villas to citizens was launched in Abu Dhabi, when Sheikh Khaled approved the Yas Canal project for Al Raha Beach. It is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2027.

The latest financial package will coincide with the country's celebrations for Eid Al Fitr, the religious festival which marks the end of Ramadan.

Eid Al Fitr will begin in the Emirates on either Tuesday or Wednesday, with the official date to be confirmed by the sighting of the crescent moon.

Key developments in maritime dispute

2000: Israel withdraws from Lebanon after nearly 30 years without an officially demarcated border. The UN establishes the Blue Line to act as the frontier. 

2007: Lebanon and Cyprus define their respective exclusive economic zones to facilitate oil and gas exploration. Israel uses this to define its EEZ with Cyprus

2011: Lebanon disputes Israeli-proposed line and submits documents to UN showing different EEZ. Cyprus offers to mediate without much progress.

2018: Lebanon signs first offshore oil and gas licencing deal with consortium of France’s Total, Italy’s Eni and Russia’s Novatek.

2018-2019: US seeks to mediate between Israel and Lebanon to prevent clashes over oil and gas resources.

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

Updated: April 12, 2024, 5:25 AM