The UAE government has approved funds worth Dh7 billion ($2 billion) for infrastructure development in the Northern Emirates, said a report.

The projects include approvals for housing aid, the building of new residential complexes, roads, schools, health centres and government buildings, reported emirati news agency Wam.

UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, allocated the funds during his field visit to the East Coast, it stated.

A total of Dh5 billion ($1.36 billion) has been set aside for citizen accommodation projects that will benefit 42,000 people over the next five years.

Sheikh Mohammed later visited a number of road project sites and approved an additional Dh1.5 billion ($408 million) for the ministry's projects.

Announcing the fund allocation, Sheikh Mohammed said: "The government will closely follow-up on all sectors and infrastructure is at the top of its agenda to provide a decent living condition for citizens."

The Vice President also met five ministers during his visit to inspect projects and review future plans. He then visited a school in Kalba, and youth sports complex in Fujairah and ordered the establishment of a similar complex in Ras Al Khaimah, stated the report.

Sheikh Mohammed also approved the extension of Emirates Road leading to the Ras Al Khaimah ring road and the Khatm Al Milaha road reaching Fujairah, it added.