- Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (SZHP)
- Expression of Interest
- Additional Facilitated Housing Loan
- Rental Assistance for Newlyweds
- Housing Grant
- FAQs
Abu Dhabi, the capital emirate of the UAE, has made home ownership widely accessible and easier through several initiatives and programmes. The residents of Abu Dhabi also receive the federal-level housing benefits. From rental grants to loan assistance, there is a range of housing benefits in Abu Dhabi, advantageous for eligible individuals in one way or another.
Housing Benefits in Abu Dhabi: Key Initiatives and Programmes
Social welfare programmes in the UAE span from essential living to housing grants. For instance, the Abu Dhabi housing benefits range from rental support to loan reduction and grants, such as:
Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (SZHP)
Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (SZHP) is a federal-level housing benefit established in 1999. It offers interest-free loans to citizens with low income, repayable over a period of 25 years. SZHP is one of the UAE housing benefits that prioritises orphans, widows, elderly people and people of determination (PoD).
Benefits and Services by Abu Dhabi Housing Authority
The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) offers a range of housing grants and benefits. Services include:
Expression of Interest
The Expression of Interest service by ADHA allows eligible citizens to select from government or private-sector housing projects. The service is accessible via the Iskan Abu Dhabi app (iOS | Android). Beneficiaries can compare projects based on key factors, including location, completion status, unit size and delivery date.
Additional Facilitated Housing Loan
This is another initiative for housing assistance in Abu Dhabi. It is a collaboration between the four national banks and ADHA. The participating national banks include Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Al Maryah Community Bank (MBank) and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB). According to the initiative, the Abu Dhabi government covers 50% of the profit or the applicable interest rate. Applications for the programme can be submitted via the Iskan Abu Dhabi app.
Rental Assistance for Newly Married UAE Nationals
It is one of the Abu Dhabi housing schemes providing rental assistance to newlywed couples. Up to AED 75,000 assistance is offered to eligible beneficiaries, based on their monthly income. The assistance under the initiative is valid for two years and renewable for 4 years max. These conditions depend on the permanent housing application status registered under the ADHA business system. The beneficiary shall be a newly married UAE national and enrolled in the Medeem programme, an initiative to empower young Emiratis and support family stability.
Deducting an Amount from the Loan
The housing support programmes in Abu Dhabi cover various aspects. For instance, this initiative by ADHA allows eligible UAE nationals earning between AED 21,000 and AED 50,000 to receive housing loan deductions based on family size. Beneficiaries can get deductions of AED 30,000 upon the birth of the fourth and fifth child and AED 40,000 for the sixth child. The deductions do not affect the original loan repayment period.
Housing Loan Repayment Extension
This initiative allows those who have successfully applied for housing loans in Abu Dhabi to reduce monthly instalments by extending the loan repayment period. The payment term can be extended to nine years: three years for each third, fourth and fifth child. Applicants must have a monthly income between AED 21,000 and AED 50,000.
Housing Grant
Housing grants in Abu Dhabi are available to eligible UAE nationals who have limited income. For eligibility, the applicants must not have previously received similar government housing support. Those who can apply for the programme must be above 45 years old. Married male applicants are exempted from this requirement. Applicants can be married men, widows, unmarried women and divorcees. Any additional requirements may depend on the application category, including residency duration and financial responsibility.
Residential Plot of Land Grant
According to the eligibility criteria for housing benefits in Abu Dhabi, this programme is only available to permanent UAE nationals who have not received similar housing benefits previously. The scheme benefits men, women, unmarried women, divorcees and Emirati women married to non-UAE nationals. Male applicants must be at least 25 years old, while female applicants must be at least 30 years old. Married male applicants are exempted from this requirement. Additional requirements may depend on the application category and residency status.
FAQs
Who is eligible for housing benefits in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi housing grants and benefits are exclusively available to UAE nationals. Those who are breadwinners and do not own a suitable home for their families, meeting the specific income requirements, are eligible.
How can I apply for housing benefits in Abu Dhabi?
Most of the applications for Abu Dhabi housing benefits for citizens can be submitted via the Iskan Abu Dhabi application.
What is the difference between housing loans and housing grants?
Housing loans must be repaid over time. On the other hand, housing grants are financial housing benefits provided by the government that do not require repayment.
This is everything to know about the housing benefits in Abu Dhabi. Note that the housing application process and requirements may vary according to the application type and set criteria. The home financing support in the capital emirate covers different types of individuals, especially those who are breadwinners and do not own a suitable home.
Individuals can get financial support for buying properties in Abu Dhabi in government or private-sector projects via the SZHP and other housing assistance programmes.
For more updates on government housing initiatives and residential support schemes, stay connected to the UAE’s leading property blog.
