The UAE government has announced a national policy on creating vital residential communities, which includes various regulations and standards, with the aim of improving living standards and providing a new model of life in the country, said a report.

The new policy, which is in line with the National Agenda of the UAE Vision 2021 and the UAE Centennial 2071, was approved by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reported state news agency Wam.

The national policy includes six key components, which are: a suitable location, integrated facilities, cohesive communities, areas for interactive living, cultural participation, and smart systems, to prevent the isolation of residential neighbourhoods and facilitate transportation and communication, as well as to provide the necessary facilities.

According to the policy, residential communities must contain facilities that will support the lives of their residents and provide with a rich residential experience, such as shared gardens and sporting facilities, it stated.

The UAE, under the leadership of President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan prioritises the quality of life of its citizens, while its government has prioritised housing and is achieving sustainability in this vital sector, said Sheikh Mohammed, while speaking at a ceremony held to mark the launch of the new national policy.

It was attended by Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, it added.

Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Mohammed said the goal was to provide an integrated life for every citizen, and not only a place of residence.

"We want our residential communities to bring people together and improve their health and social cohesion. The integrated role of government sectors and authorities is to improve life quality in the UAE," he remarked.

"Today, we are beginning a new stage in developing vital residential communities, which facilitate and improve the lives of all citizens without exception," he added.

Sheikh Mohammed directed relevant authorities to begin adopting the policy and activating its regulations in the design and establishment of all the residential projects around the country, as well as to benefit from its contents and raise living standards, said the Wam report.

The policy, which was developed by the "National Programme for Happiness and Wellbeing," in cooperation with the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, aims to determine new principles and standards, to create residential communities that will improve the quality of life of citizens and their communities, in line with goals of the National Agenda, it stated.