Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed announces new social support programme

Measures designed to help promote cohesion and coexistence as well as providing financial assistance for families in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, stands for a photograph with UAE Space and Astronomy sector employees during an iftar reception aShow more

A sweeping social support programme that will improve living standards and provide financial assistance for eligible families in Abu Dhabi is to be introduced by the end of the year.

In a related announcement funds will also be pumped into several districts for community projects.

The measures will double the number of housing loans made to Emiratis to 5,000 a year and reduce waiting times, as well as income levels being taken into account when calculating repayments.

They were revealed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who said the initiatives had been taken under the directive of Sheikh Khalifa, President of the UAE.

Also announced by Sheikh Mohammed via a series of tweets on Monday evening was a budget of Dh3 billion to improve social facilities for citizens and residents across several Abu Dhabi's suburbs: Khalifa City, Mohammed bin Zayed City, Shakhbut City and Madinat Zayed.

Studies would also be made to investigate the needs and requirements of other residential areas of the emirate, including Al Ain and Al Dhafra.

Sheikh Mohammed announced the introduction of a new organisation to be called "Together" (Maan), which would promote volunteering, civic engagement and social work in the emirate, involving citizens, residents and institutions with the support of Government bodies. The initiative seeks to foster a sense of contributing to the community and to help all Abu Dhabi residents.

The measures were revealed at the end of Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, which coincided with the 19th day of Ramadan and is the anniversary of the passing of Sheikh Zayed in 2004. This year is also the Year of Zayed, marking 100 years since his birth and commemorating his global impact and lasting legacy. The Founding Father was heralded for his humanitarian work during his life, with caring campaigns including supplying food and medicine to those in need and launching vital housing projects.

Sheikh Mohammed said that the giving approach adopted by Sheikh Zayed is full of moral lessons and meanings.

''We are still deeply committed to that approach in light of the giving process led by Sheikh Khalifa," he said in remarks reported by Wam, "and we are working towards achieving a sustainable strategy whose aim is to ensure that the people of the UAE enjoy a dignified life in a community where the values of cohesion, tolerance, coexistence, harmony and synergy prevail among its happy members."