Dh2.5 billion housing package for UAE citizens in 2025

Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme issues 3,567 decisions totalling Dh2.5 billion

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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
WAM

Dubai: The UAE Cabinet, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved 3,567 housing-related decisions valued at a total of Dh2.54 billion during 2025. Of these, 599 decisions were issued in the fourth quarter, valued at Dh478 million.

These approvals came through the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, a cornerstone initiative focused on delivering sustainable and adequate housing solutions for Emirati citizens. The package for 2025 includes 524 grants from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, worth Dh356.3 million; 623 government housing loans at Dh270.2 million; 32 government housing grants and benefits totalling Dh25.4 million; and 2,388 housing financing decisions worth Dh1.89 billion.

During the final quarter of 2025, 599 housing decisions valued at Dh478 million were approved. These comprised two presidential grants worth Dh1.3 million; 31 government housing loans for Dh25.2 million; eight government housing grants and benefits totalling Dh6.4 million; and 558 housing financing decisions valued at Dh445.1 million.

The approval of these housing decisions reflects the UAE government’s commitment to enhancing family stability and improving citizens’ quality of life. It forms part of ongoing efforts to meet increasing housing needs amid rapid population growth and urban development. The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, established in 1999, continues to evolve adapting its strategies to meet national goals.

Driving forward Vision 2031

The accelerated delivery of housing decisions in 2025 demonstrates sustained momentum in the sector. Financing approvals represent a significant portion of assistance, reflecting enhanced collaboration between federal and local authorities and private sector partners.

The government’s housing strategy aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2031 aiming for balanced urban growth, economic diversification, and social cohesion through strong housing infrastructure and support. These approvals stimulate related industries including real estate development, construction, and housing services.

The housing decisions awarded in 2025 also bolster broader economic objectives by promoting sustainable development and job creation. New urban projects and housing clusters across emirates foster inclusive growth.

Families and low-income groups benefit from targeted grants and loan schemes, contributing to a more equitable distribution of housing resources.

Nivetha Dayanand is Assistant Business Editor at Gulf News, where she spends her days unpacking money, markets, aviation, and the big shifts shaping life in the Gulf. Before returning to Gulf News, she launched Finance Middle East, complete with a podcast and video series. Her reporting has taken her from breaking spot news to long-form features and high-profile interviews. Nivetha has interviewed Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed Al Saud, Indian ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and N. Chandrababu Naidu, IMF’s Jihad Azour, and a long list of CEOs, regulators, and founders who are reshaping the region’s economy. An Erasmus Mundus journalism alum, Nivetha has shared classrooms and newsrooms with journalists from more than 40 countries, which probably explains her weakness for data, context, and a good follow-up question. When she is away from her keyboard (AFK), you are most likely to find her at the gym with an Eminem playlist, bingeing One Piece, or exploring games on her PS5.

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