Dubai has revealed plans to develop more than 17,000 affordable houses in the city.
The news came following a meeting of the Executive Council, which cleared land for the affordable dwelling project, while also unveiling improved legislative frameworks and strengthening Arabic education in the city.
The Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, approved a number of measures and policies to improve education, support independent legal professionals in Dubai, and increase the availability of affordable housing.
Affordable homes in Dubai
Sheikh Hamdan approved the efforts and reiterated Dubai’s status as a leading global metropolis, which originates from a goal of empowering individuals, families, and communities.
He described it as a vision that creates possibilities, develops talent, promotes national values and identity, expands knowledge, and stimulates entrepreneurship.
Sheikh Hamdan said: “Shaping the future and pursuing sustained growth through empowerment has long been a guiding principle for Dubai. It is a vision we continue to follow under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“We are realising this vision through cross-sector collaboration, ensuring Dubai remains the destination of choice for the most ambitious global talent.
“In line with Dubai’s Affordable Housing Policy, we approved the allocation of 1.46 million square metres of land for affordable housing, enabling the development of 17,080 residential units.
“We are committed to offering a range of housing options and we welcome all ideas that contribute to a cohesive and prosperous society that embraces diversity — Dubai is a city for everyone.”
Sheikh Hamdan also authorized a new strategy to improve achievements in Arabic language and Islamic studies in private schools as part of the Dubai Education Strategy 2033.
He said: “Our national identity is a source of pride, and it is vital to promote our values from the earliest stages of education. This policy is a collaborative effort involving education providers, experts, and parents to equip students with a strong foundation in these essential subjects.
“It presents an opportunity to strengthen the capabilities of future generations, enrich school curricula, modernise learning tools, and empower Emirati teachers”.
Sheikh Hamdan also approved the Independent Legal Consultant Project – a flexible license model enabling Dubai individuals to conduct legal consultancy independently, without the need to construct a physical office.
He said: “The legal profession is evolving, and we encourage Emiratis to explore the opportunities in this dynamic field. Dubai remains a hub for entrepreneurship, supporting innovative work models that promote work-life balance and enhance quality of life.”
The Executive Council meeting took place at Emirates Towers, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
The affordable housing project is in compliance with the Affordable Housing Policy established by the Council, and the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
The effort, which targets skilled individuals in Dubai, intends to establish more vibrant neighborhoods, boost economic growth, create jobs, and increase access to decent housing and necessary services for inhabitants of all incomes.
The first phase will develop six sites in:
- Al Mueisim 1
- Al Twar 1
- Al Qusais Industrial 5
- Al Leyan 1
The new residential apartments will be available at reasonable rental prices, with thoughtfully designed, high-quality living spaces and easy access to vital infrastructure and services.
The project will be managed by the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning and carried out by the Land Department, Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Civil Defence, and Real Estate Corporation.
The new education policy authorized at today’s meeting advances the goal of ranking among the world’s top ten cities for educational excellence.
It focuses on efficient teaching methods from early childhood to pre-primary levels, with the goal of improving academic achievement in Arabic and Islamic studies. It also encourages tighter collaboration between teachers and parents, acknowledging the importance of both schools and families in shaping kids’ cultural and national identities.
The Dubai Protocol for Curriculum Enhancement and the Emirati Teacher Recruitment and Training Programme are two of the efforts being implemented under the program, which also includes collaborations with universities and colleges.
The policy includes a school-parent partnership initiative to help with curriculum development. The effort focuses on current learning tools that will assist students develop critical thinking and research abilities, as well as promote teacher professional development.
The policy also aims to boost the number of Emirati professors of Arabic and Islamic studies. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) will manage the policy’s implementation in collaboration with private schools throughout the Emirate.
Citizens will be able to provide legal guidance autonomously in specified legal fields, with the exception of litigation.
The pilot phase focuses on real estate and personal status law, providing chances for Emiratis such as academics, retirees, and individuals looking for remote job options.
Applicants must have at least two years of legal experience, pass an evaluation, and finish a training program in the relevant field. The Legal Affairs Department of the Government will implement and assess the one-year experiment.
