This page provides information about the UAE’s housing authorities, their roles and functions.
The UAE Government allocates land or provides free housing or housing loan, residential facilities and maintenance to deserving Emiratis. This way, the UAE ensures access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
At the federal level, Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure is responsible for organising the housing sector.
Further, UAE nationals can apply for housing or residential lands through the Housing Allocation Committee at Presidential Court.
Darek is a national platform dedicated to Emiratis who are about to build their own houses. It serves as a comprehensive resource, offering essential construction-related information and a range of construction services accessible through a single platform. Services include:
Through the platform, Emiratis can track the progress of their construction projects, communicate with the consulting contractor overseeing the project and receive updates and notifications about its status. They can reach out to the customer support team for assistance or queries regarding the project’s progress.
UAE Nationals can benefit from the Darek platform by registering on the platform and obtaining the Fazaa Darek membership.
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, represented by Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme manages and supervises Darek, in collaboration with the local housing authorities and other relevant entities.
Visit Darek to learn more.
The UAE’s citizens seeking financial aid to acquire a new residence or to make modifications to their existing homes can apply for housing aid, under Sheikh Zayed Programme. The housing assistance is provided in the form of grants, loans or government housing depending on each case.
Criteria and requirements
To be eligible for housing aid, the applicant must be a UAE citizen, holding a family book and Emirates ID card.
If his wife is not a UAE citizen, he must have children with her. Alternatively, the couple must have been married for a minimum of seven years.
The applicant should not:
Housing aid is available to the following people, subject to certain conditions:
Refer to the service card pertaining to housing assistance request.
Beneficiaries of housing assistance may apply for transfer of mortgage offered by Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, from one property to another. The beneficiary is required to send his/her application to Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
The goal is to enable the beneficiary to re-use the housing assistance or replace his/her house with another suitable one. This will also allow beneficiaries to apply for sale, reconstruction or purchase of new houses.
The Iskan bundle offers to the UAE citizens, proactive housing services through a user-friendly, one-stop access. Through integration with the relevant authorities, the system behind the Iskan bundle, gathers customers' data and documents automatically, and saves the valuable time of the citizens.
The comprehensive housing services provided through the Iskan bundle aim to enhance the quality of life and strengthen the stability of the UAE’s families.
Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme
At the federal level, Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (SZHP), established in 1999, provides interest-free loans repayable over a 25-year period to citizens with low incomes.
Grants and non-reimbursable assistance are dispensed to the poorest segments of society. SZHP gives priority to orphans, widows, aged people and people with special needs.
In 2020, Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme was merged with Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure.
Read about the Home Finance Policy.
Housing assistance is also provided at the emirate level, which includes:
In December 2012, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) was created to provide suitable housing for Abu Dhabi citizens, manage housing loans' programme and coordinate all housing-related projects.
Abu Dhabi Housing Authority has launched the 'Bayti' initiative for citizens in the emirate. This scheme provides 58 structurally and architecturally pre-approved housing designs. Under this initiative, residential communities based on the highest standards of quality and efficiency that provide security and comfort to the citizens will be built.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MRHE) was established in 2007. It aims at providing appropriate housing to the nationals of the emirate of Dubai, by providing all housing related services through various alternatives, such as:
MRHE contributes to stimulating the national economy by executing investment projects and activating strategic partnerships with the private and public sectors.
Community Development Authority (CDA) provides temporary housing to those whose house got damaged and became unfit to use as a result of natural calamity or disaster.
These programmes include the following:
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