Project 'heeds modernisation plan'

Dubai Islamic Bank claims it is following the government's modernisation initiatives even as 1,000 families are upset with how they are being pushed out of their homes to make way for luxury housing units.

The new buildings at Madinat Badr will be developed in line with the urban plans of the government, a statement sent to Gulf News said.

Officials at the bank, which owns the property, said the new development plan will upgrade the area to meet the latest standards in the city. They will also give preferential rates to previous tenants, but the bank did not give further details.

The bank has begun the process to acquire necessary clearance and support from the municipality and it has ensured the applicable laws and regulations are respected.

"The Madinat Badr redevelopment is part of an overall plan to fully use the land with quality residential units to supply the growing demand for such housing in the area," said Butti Bin Darwish Al Falasi, chief executive of Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB).

"It is part of the tremendous effort being put in to turn the city into a model modern metropolis that meets the very highest standards. Do not forget that the Madinat Badr properties are 26 years old."

Mohammad Al Sharif, executive vice-president and head of finance at DIB, said: "The bank has lived up to its responsibilities in maintaining the Madinat Badr homes over the last 26 years. Due to the age of the buildings, safety concerns may arise in the future and there are severe limits to what we can do to enhance the quality of life for the tenants.

"To extend the relationship with the Madinat Badr community, DIB is planning to give priority booking in the new redevelopment in addition to preferential rates to Madinat Badr's current tenants."

However, the 1,000 families there are complaining they have not been given enough warning to move out of their homes. Some families have lived there for 25 years. They are demanding at least a year's notice before being forced to move.

All of the tenants have received official notice to move out within 60 days, but some said that only those whose tenancy contracts were due to elapse this month were given notices.

About 850 of the apartments in Madinat Badr are still occupied, while about 150 families have already moved.

All remaining Madinat Badr residents are asking the authorities to find a solution to their problem. They said they will gather at the mosque after Friday prayers today and sign a letter to be sent to the Ruler's Court asking for help.