Dubai government’s approval of a housing policy that will cater to the needs of low-income groups among Emiratis and non-Emiratis is a welcome momentum gained on the proposal that has been in the pipeline. This new initiative signifies what is one of the most important predicators of Dubai’s further evolution — a planned redressal of the needs of its socioeconomic stratification, which is an organic by-product of its growth fuelled by the multitudinous contributions of people from all walks of life and all levels of income. The onus, therefore, of catering to the needs of the various strata of society is a paramount concern of governance.
In Dubai’s incredible story of development, particularly in the arena of housing and real estate, luxury markets and affordable housing have been strong elements in its narrative of growth, with the need for adequate low-income housing making its presence felt more, arguably, as an exception than the norm.
The new policy therefore not only addresses this lacuna, it also reveals a commendable sweep of insight and foresight in the way it factors in families’ income levels, place of residence, and public benefits to compare them with requirements at the time and the extent of challenges families are facing.
The policy implementation will be supported by a Social Responsibility Work Team, which will be subordinated to the Social Development Committee of the Executive Council, and this is significant because the presence of relevant public bodies, businessmen and most important, real estate developers, as part of the team would lead to pragmatic solutions to the challenge of demand and supply. This collaboration with stakeholders is, surely, the best way to map and deliver the results on the ground.
The Dubai Plan 2021 is working towards a more cohesive and united society that will exemplify common human values and amongst the most enduring human values is the desire to live well and enjoy life that is commensurate with one’s means.
Affordable housing is at the heart of this desire. By implementing this plan, Dubai is strengthening its efforts towards an inclusive society that ensures that the happiness of its people is an abiding requisite.
The issue of affordable housing is also relevant for the country at large, with a significant portion of UAE’s population, particularly expatriates, occupying the bandwidth of low-income to low-middle income and this initiative could well be considered wherever the gaps exist.
