Largest Abu Dhabi housing project to be named Riyadh City

Crown Prince announces move in recognition of longstanding ties with Saudi Arabia

The National
Nov 27, 2017
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Abu Dhabi's largest housing development will be named Riyadh City in recognition of the "longstanding ties" with Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, announced the move on Twitter on Monday.

Modon Properties will develop the housing project, which will sit between southern Shamkha and North Al Wathba, some 30 kilometres from the city centre.

The residential development will span 8,000 hectares and house 200,000 people, according to a statement from the General Secretariat of the Executive Council.

Riyadh City will be a "modern, integrated and sustainable" city and will comprise of 45 per cent of Abu Dhabi's residential land, the statement said.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said he was proud to name the largest housing project in Abu Dhabi as Riyadh City. "Saudi Arabia - UAE longstanding ties are based on brotherhood, co-operation and common destiny," he said.

In September 2016, one of Dubai’s most vital thoroughfares - Al Sofouh Street - was renamed after King Salman of Saudi Arabia, on the orders of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

The renaming coincided with the Kingdom’s 86th national day and reflected “the historically strong relations between the UAE and the kingdom of ­Saudi Arabia and recognises the kingdom’s vision and role in enhancing solidarity ­between Arab nations,” Dubai Media Office said.

On Monday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, also implemented a series of updates to the UAE's housing policies for citizens in a bid to decrease the waiting period for government housing or loans by less than half the current time.

Some Emiratis who are entitled to government housing loans or ready-built homes have previously said they had waited for up to six years to receive either.

On Monday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said, “based on Khalifa's vision, we are updating policies related to citizen housing system and introducing a package of residential products in Abu Dhabi.

"The welfare, happiness and comfort of our citizens is a top priority within Khalifa's vision, and with the help of God we will not stop making further efforts to develop a sustainable modern housing system," he said.

"The leadership of the UAE through its development projects aim to build a cohesive society with decent living conditions within a secure, stable and stimulating environment for work and production."

Riyadh CityAbu DhabiUnited Arab EmiratesUAE
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