The Ruler of Sharjah ordered thousands of plots of land be distributed to Emiratis to build new homes.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi allocated 4,765 residential plots as part of a drive to meet housing needs in the emirate.
He issued the directive while chairing a meeting of Sharjah Urban Planning Council on Sunday.
Sheikh Dr Sultan also agreed to distribute 4,400 housing grants to Sharjah citizens in need of financial support within the next 18 months.
He said authorities were determined to boost quality of life for families across Sharjah.
The Sharjah Royal called on members of the Urban Planning Council to work closely together and hold weekly meetings to successfully deliver the housing project.
It was announced during the meeting that authorities will be tasked with laying the groundwork for the significant increase in housing provision.
Engineering works will be carried out by Sharjah Planning and Survey Department, with Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority implementing a road network to serve the new communities.
Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority will ensure electricity, gas and water supplies are in place for the new residential areas.
Sheikh Dr Sultan stressed the importance of ensuring residents had access to key amenities and services, including mosques and gardens.
The move to increase the number of homes in Sharjah comes as leaders across the Emirates step up efforts to improve the standard of living for citizens.
Last week, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, waived the obligation of low-income Emirati families to pay back their housing loans to the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme.
While last month, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, ordered billions of dirhams in housing packages to be distributed among more than 5,000 Emiratis.
He called for loans, houses and land — at a total value of Dh6.6bn — to be granted to citizens, under the directives of President Sheikh Khalifa.
