The UAE Ministry of Community Development (MOCD) has joined hands with Dubai Holding and Dubai Municipality to implement the first phase of ‘Masaai Al Khair’, an initiative aimed at providing home maintenance and renovation support for social security beneficiaries and low-income families in Dubai.

Phase One of the Dh10-million ($2.72 million) initiative will cover residences in Dubai’s Jumeirah, Hatta and Oud Al Mutaina areas, reported state news agency Wam.

Commenting on the deal, Khalid Al Malik, the chief real estate officer at Dubai Holding, said: "We are pleased to collaborate with entities such as the Ministry of Community Development and Dubai Municipality to launch initiatives of this magnitude that serve to promote family stability among the nation’s low-income population."

"In line with our ongoing corporate social responsibility mandate, Dubai Holding has allocated Dh10 million to finance the renovation and maintenance of homes in several parts of Dubai," stated Al Malik.

Nasser Ismail, the assistant undersecretary of social welfare at MOCD, said: "Initiatives like Masaai Al Khair promote greater community integration and facilitate partnerships between the UAE’s public and private sector entities."

"Ultimately, such efforts strengthen the culture of social responsibility in the UAE society, and will drive sustainable social development," noted Ismail.

"Housing is one of the primary needs of the country’s low income families who are beneficiaries of the social security system, as indicated by the periodic surveys the Ministry carries out and as per the feedback received from our diverse programs and initiatives that aim to promote a culture of social responsibility in the country," he added.

Ismail commended Dubai Holding and Dubai Municipality for their active support to the community development efforts aimed at meeting the needs of these low income families.

"This synergy further encourages individuals and organizations from all walks of life to proactively support community initiatives and services that will contribute to strengthening the UAE’s social fabric," he added.

Jabir Ahmed Al Ali, the director of general maintenance department at Dubai Municipality, said: "The General Maintenance Department of Dubai Municipality has set up a team of ten engineers with various competencies to evaluate the condition of several low cost residences that are in urgent need of refurbishment."

"Work on implementing their repair and maintenance is already underway. This initiative is in line with Dubai Municipality’s vision of building a happy and sustainable city," remarked Al Ali.

"We are pleased to join hands with the ministry and Dubai Holding to implement 'Masaai Al Khair' and any similar initiatives that aim to benefit our nation and contribute to the happiness and well-being of our citizens," he added.