Housing and land benefits for UAE nationals
The UAE Government allocates land or provides free housing or housing loan, residential facilities and maintenance to deserving Emiratis. This way, the UAE ensures access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
At the federal level, Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure is responsible for organising the housing sector.
Further, UAE nationals can apply for housing or residential lands through the Housing Allocation Committee at Presidential Court.
Eligibility for housing aid for the UAE’s citizens
The UAE’s citizens seeking financial aid to acquire a new residence or to make modifications to their existing homes can apply for housing aid, under Sheikh Zayed Programme. The housing assistance is provided in the form of grants, loans or government housing depending on each case.
Criteria and requirements
To be eligible for housing aid, the applicant must be a UAE citizen, holding a family data and Emirates ID card.
If his wife is not a UAE citizen, he must have children with her. Alternatively, the couple must have been married for a minimum of seven years.
The applicant should not:
- have a suitable residence for living at the time of applying for the aid
- have previously received housing assistance from any government entity in the UAE
- have disposed of a suitable dwelling owned by him, in a transferable manner in the last 10 years
- have the financial means to own a suitable house or to make the necessary additions or to complete the construction of his house.
Housing aid is available to the following people, subject to certain conditions:
- people of determination (people with special needs)
- senior citizens
- orphans
- custodial widows
- custodial divorcees
- orphans with both parents deceased
- persons with unknown parentage
- women married to non-citizens.
Refer to the service card pertaining to housing assistance request.
Transfer of housing assistance
Beneficiaries of housing assistance may apply for transfer of mortgage offered by Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, from one property to another. The beneficiary is required to send his/her application to Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
The goal is to enable the beneficiary to re-use the housing assistance or replace his/her house with another suitable one. This will also allow beneficiaries to apply for sale, reconstruction or purchase of new houses.
Federal Government
Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme
At the federal level, Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (SZHP), established in 1999, provides interest-free loans repayable over a 25-year period to citizens with low incomes.
Grants and non-reimbursable assistance are dispensed to the poorest segments of society. SZHP gives priority to orphans, widows, aged people and people with special needs.
In 2020, Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme was merged with Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure.
Read about the Home Finance Policy.
Local governments
Housing assistance is also provided at the emirate level, which includes:
- Abu Dhabi Housing Authority
In December 2012, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) was created to provide suitable housing for Abu Dhabi citizens, manage housing loans' programme and coordinate all housing-related projects.
Abu Dhabi Housing Authority has launched the 'Bayti' initiative for citizens in the emirate. This scheme provides 58 structurally and architecturally pre-approved housing designs. Under this initiative, residential communities based on the highest standards of quality and efficiency that provide security and comfort to the citizens will be built.
Iskan Abu Dhabi
Iskan Abu Dhabi is a one-stop service centre for citizens eligible for housing benefits in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It serves the customers of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, providing them with a range of services, which includes housing grants, housing loans, and the purchase of residential land.
- Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment
Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE) was established in 2007. It aims at providing appropriate housing to the nationals of the emirate of Dubai, by providing all housing related services through various alternatives, such as:
- granting residential plots
- granting governmental houses
- providing ready houses
- maintaining and extending the current houses
- giving housing loans as per the policies and standards adopted by the entity.
MRHE contributes to stimulating the national economy by executing investment projects and activating strategic partnerships with the private and public sectors.
- Community Development Authority
Community Development Authority (CDA) provides temporary housing to those whose house got damaged and became unfit to use as a result of natural calamity or disaster.
- Housing programmes in the Northern Emirates
These programmes include the following:
- Department of Housing - Government of Sharjah
- Sheikh Saud Housing Programme - Ras Al Khaimah.
Updated on:
19 Nov 2025
