Sheikh Mohammed unveils new government housing plan for Emiratis

Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai heads UAE Cabinet meeting that establishes agreement on air services with Iran

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, heads a UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Wam

The UAE Cabinet has set out new federal laws for housing in the Emirates and an agreement on air services with Iran.

The announcements were made by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday afternoon.

The new housing policies for Emiratis under the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme are being introduced to provide more flexibility for citizens when it comes to “transferring, reselling or mortgaging their government-owned residences”, Sheikh Mohammed said.

The changes allow beneficiaries of housing assistance to apply for a mortgage transfer from one property to another.

The goal is to enable Emiratis to redeploy their housing assistance and replace their house with another suitable one, the UAE Government Media Office said.

It will also allow citizens to apply for the sale and reconstruction or purchase of new houses.

The cabinet also approved a decision that provides the ability to reduce the value of house financing through a “flexible loan”.

It allows citizens to benefit again from the reduced house financing difference within a period of no more than four years.

“Today, we approved new policies during the Cabinet meeting regarding the federal housing sector in the country,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“These policies aim to provide flexibility for citizens in transferring, reselling or mortgaging their government-owned residences in case of a change in their housing location or the need for a new residence.

“Additionally, there are policies related to the flexibility of loans granted to citizens, all part of the continuous development of the federal housing system for the people in the country.”

The new law on federal housing was among a series of announcements by the cabinet.

Also announced was an agreement with Iran regarding air services between the countries.

“We approved an agreement on air services with the Islamic Republic of Iran for the two regions and for regions beyond them,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

“Additionally, we ratified an agreement with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Co-operation Council regarding hosting the Gulf Academy for Security and Strategic Studies, which will be based in the UAE.

“These agreements underscore our commitment to fostering regional co-operation and enhancing strategic initiatives for mutual benefit.”

New recycling rules

Sheikh Mohammed also announced a number of approved policies, including rules for the integrated management of recyclable materials.

The policy includes rules on licensing the facilities involved in the management of recyclable materials, including collecting, recycling and exporting.

The new list of recyclable materials includes used tyres, electronic waste, plastic waste, used cooking oils and aluminium dross that can be managed by the recycling factories in the country.

The cabinet also approved the Education Professional Licence Policy at the Emirates Schools Establishment, which aims to develop a framework for the introduction of an Education Professional Licence in public schools.

The framework will also provide guidance on recruitment and training.

Government gatherings

The agenda for the annual meeting of the UAE government was also ratified.

“We approved the agenda for the annual meetings of the UAE government, which include ministries, federal entities, executive councils, local departments and the top 500 government officials in the country,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

The annual meetings are scheduled to take place on November 7.

“The annual meetings of the UAE government serve as the largest national forum for decision-makers in the country,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

“They represent a moment for self-assessment, reviewing our achievements and diagnosing our future priorities.

“It's a collaborative effort to fulfil the aspirations of our people within the framework of one national team.”

New foundation

Sheikh Mohammed also announced the appointment of Thani Al Zayoudi as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Drug Foundation, with Dr Maha Barakat as vice chairman.

“The new foundation is responsible for regulating and licensing all medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, cosmetic, biotic products and more,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

“It aims to establish and manage a national system to trace medical products from the manufacturer to the consumer, ensuring their quality and safeguarding the public health of the community.”

The foundation aims to strengthen the country's position as a global hub for pharmaceutical and medical industries, promoting research and development, and providing an attractive environment for pharmaceutical investments, the media office said.

It said the foundation will contribute to improving the production and export of high-quality medical and pharmaceutical products, as well as ensuring their standards and safety.

The foundation will be responsible for managing and regulating medical products and has the authority to issue licences and monitor medical product companies.

It will also be responsible for pharmaceutical research, clinical and non-clinical studies, as well as approving and registering medical products, and establishing a national pricing system.