The UAE government is set to build a Dh1-billion ($272 million) residential complex featuring over 700 eco-friendly housing units in the emirate of Ajman under the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, according to a report.

The 729-unit project, which will come up over a 950,000-sq-m area, is the largest residential complex the programme has carried out since its inception in 1999, said the Emirati news agency Wam citing the country's infrastructure development minister.

''The housing project is to be implemented based upon the leadership's directives to provide houses to citizens, so as to enjoy social stability," remarked Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, who is also the chairman of the programme.

The new residential complex has taken into account all major factors including sustainability, safety, eco-friendliness and energy efficiency during its design stage, he added.