logo
Dubai's 'Home First' initiative enhances housing flexibility for Emiratis

Dubai's 'Home First' initiative enhances housing flexibility for Emiratis

Dubai Eye18-03-2025
Dubai Municipality has launched the 'Home First' initiative to improve housing options for Emirati families, with a focus on enhancing family stability and social cohesion.
The initiative, in line with the 'Year of Community', includes urban planning amendments aimed at fostering a higher quality of life.
It also supports the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, which promotes family bonds and social values.
The initiative includes key updates to the Dubai Building Code to allow more flexibility in residential planning, allowing for additional living spaces such as side family annexes and separate villas for sons within family properties.
Families can also expand their villas with a 100 per cent extension on the second floor, while new setback regulations provide greater space and privacy.
The initiative also allows for townhouses to be built adjacent to each other, ensuring both efficiency and architectural harmony.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, highlighted that 'Home First' reinforces the city's commitment to sustainable urban planning, offering adaptable housing options to meet the evolving needs of Emirati families.
pic.twitter.com/suEkjsDbJG
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 17, 2025
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Dubai launches new scheme to help expats and Emiratis buy their first home
Dubai launches new scheme to help expats and Emiratis buy their first home

Filipino Times

time8 hours ago

  • Filipino Times

Dubai launches new scheme to help expats and Emiratis buy their first home

Dubai has introduced the First-Time Home Buyer Programme to make it easier and more affordable for residents, both expatriates and Emiratis, to purchase their first homes. The program offers priority access to new property launches, special pricing on units up to AED 5 million, and mortgage solutions tailored to buyers' needs, Dubai Media Office reported. Launched on Wednesday by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the initiative was unveiled in the presence of representatives from major banks and real estate developers. It supports Dubai's goal to increase homeownership and double the real estate sector's contribution to the economy by 2033. Designed for all nationalities and income levels, the program is open to applicants aged 18 and above who live in the UAE and do not currently own freehold residential property in Dubai. 'By lowering entry barriers to homeownership for Emiratis and expatriates alike, we are enhancing investor confidence, increasing market absorption rates, and reinforcing Dubai's global positioning as a city where personal aspirations and business ambitions converge,'His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, said. His Excellency Omar Bu Shehab, Director General of DLD, noted that the programme aligns with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to make homeownership more accessible while encouraging long-term investment among residents. Participating banks include Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic, and Mashreq Bank, all offering mortgage products tailored for eligible first-time buyers. Meanwhile, leading real estate developers such as Azizi Developments, Beyond Developments, Binghatti Holding, DAMAC Properties, Danube Properties, Dubai Properties, Ellington Properties, Emaar Properties, Majid Al Futtaim Group, Meraas, Nakheel, Palma Holding, and Wasl have committed their support to the programme.

flydubai Adopts AI-Powered Smart Gates to Streamline Crew Immigration
flydubai Adopts AI-Powered Smart Gates to Streamline Crew Immigration

Hi Dubai

time13 hours ago

  • Hi Dubai

flydubai Adopts AI-Powered Smart Gates to Streamline Crew Immigration

flydubai has partnered with UAE-based technology firm emaratech to roll out advanced biometric smart gates for its pilots and cabin crew, aiming to enhance immigration processing and operational efficiency. The new system, installed at flydubai's Airport Operations Centre, uses facial recognition, AI-powered verification, and real-time data integration to deliver a faster, paperless immigration experience. The initiative is part of the airline's continued investment in innovation and support for its growing flight operations. His Excellency Thani Alzaffin, Group CEO of emaratech, said the collaboration sets a new standard in smart border control, offering real-time validation through seamless integration with immigration systems. 'We are shaping a future where innovation drives convenience and trust at every checkpoint,' he said. flydubai's Chief Procurement & Technology Officer, Mohammed Hareb AlMheiri, noted that the technology reflects the airline's strategy to improve crew operations and punctuality while future-proofing its systems. Six biometric smart gates have been installed for crew use at the operations centre. flydubai currently operates a fleet of 89 aircraft across more than 135 destinations, supported by over 6,400 employees, including 1,300 pilots and 2,500 cabin crew. News Source: Dubai Media Office

Dubai launches initiative to assist first-time home buyers
Dubai launches initiative to assist first-time home buyers

Dubai Eye

time15 hours ago

  • Dubai Eye

Dubai launches initiative to assist first-time home buyers

Dubai has launched a programme for first-time home buyers, aiming to make homeownership more accessible and affordable by facilitating priority access to new launches, preferential pricing and tailored mortgage solutions. The First-Time Home Buyer Programme is applicable to properties less than AED 5 million and accessible to Emirati and expatriates of all nationalities and income levels, and to applicants aged 18 and above who are residents of the UAE. Khalid Al Shaibani, Director of Rental Affairs Department at Dubai Land Department, told Dubai Eye 103.8's The Agenda that the programme offers a flexible payment plan, either from the developer or special interest rates through banks. He added that the 4 per cent fee charged by the mainland department could be paid in interest-free installments over two years, with the aim to attract 5,000 new buyers this year. Leading developers have reportedly already committed to the programme, promising to support first-time home buyers through priority access to units in new off-plan launches, and enhanced commercial terms, including preferential pricing. Participating banks will provide "tailored mortgage products designed specifically for eligible buyers," as the programme reportedly continues to onboard new partners to increase the choice for buyers. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said the initiative marks a "significant milestone" for the real estate sector. It "represents a powerful economic lever - stimulating long-term demand, driving liquidity into the real estate ecosystem and accelerating the sector's contribution to GDP in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. By lowering entry barriers to homeownership for Emiratis and expatriates alike, we are enhancing investor confidence, increasing market absorption rates, and reinforcing Dubai's global positioning as a city where personal aspirations and business ambitions converge," Almarri said. 'In a global climate where housing accessibility is a structural challenge, Dubai is offering a model of sustainable urban development - one that supports talent retention, fosters community cohesion, and enhances the city's competitiveness as a place to live, work, and invest."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store