The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme has approved an amount of Dh428.6 million ($117 million) to help 723 UAE citizens acquire residential accommodation.

The housing support comprised 592 loans and 131 residential grants for 555 residential units, 34 units for completion, 99 governmental units, and additional construction in nine units, besides grants for maintenance work in 13 units, reported the state news agency Wam.

Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development, and chairman of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, said the decision to help these citizens once again reiterates the fact that the UAE leadership is keen to ensure the wellbeing of its citizens, and help them secure permanent residential accommodation and enjoy a sense of security.

He also affirmed that the leadership is keen to ensure that these modern units have all the required facilities as per norms.

The members of the housing programme’s board said steps were being taken to make procedures easy for the citizens to obtain houses under the UAE Vision 2021. This would lead to cohesive communities and ensure development.

Jamila Al Fendi, the director-general of the programme, said the programme was keen to end the year by painting a smile on another group of citizens needing such support.

The programme was gearing up to welcome 2017 with a package of initiatives in line with the vision of the UAE leadership, she added.