The UAE government has approved Dh476 million ($130 million) worth of housing aid for Emirati families under its Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme in conjunction with the celebrations of the country's 46th National Day.

The board of directors of the programme have given the go-ahead to 737 Emiratis, who are eligible for housing support, reported the state news agency Wam.

During a meeting at the Etihad Museum in Dubai, Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Programme Board chairman, announced that the housing support was distributed between 553 loans and 184 residential grants, stated the report.

Dr Al Nuaimi said the initiative was in line with the directives of President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the follow up of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, it added.