- More About Initiative
- Housing Initiative Amendment
- Initiative Goals
- Promoting Emirati Homeownership
- FAQs
The emirate of Dubai is based on a rapidly expanding urban landscape, accommodating both locals and expats. This exponential population growth has resulted in ever-growing housing needs. Considering all these factors, the leading authorities continue to introduce well-thought-out home initiatives in Dubai. In a recent development. Dubai Municipality has introduced the ‘Home First’ initiative. It aligns with the Year of Community programme announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Let’s find out more about this ambitious government housing project in Dubai.
Home First: Facilitating Housing for Emirati Families in Dubai
The Home First Initiative in Dubai aims to strengthen family stability, foster social cohesion and improve the overall quality of life for Emirati citizens. By updating the Dubai Building Code, this Dubai Municipality housing initiative allows for greater flexibility in residential planning, ensuring that Emirati families can customise their homes to meet their social and family needs.
The initiative supports the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, which focuses on strengthening family bonds and creating a sustainable residential environment. This aligns with broader UAE housing schemes aimed at ensuring affordable and sustainable living for Emirati citizens.
Key Urban Planning Amendments for Home Initiatives in Dubai
As part of the Dubai homeownership programs, Dubai Municipality has introduced several changes to facilitate home expansion and development:
- Emirati homeowners can construct a side family annexe before the main villa, providing additional living spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens.
- A separate villa for a son can be built within the existing family property, ensuring efficient space utilisation while maintaining strong family ties.
- Villas can now be expanded with a full 100% extension on the second floor.
- The minimum setback for villas has been reduced to 1.5 metres, with an additional 1.5-metre setback introduced for rooftop floors.
- Service annexes can now reach a height of up to eight metres across two floors, with setback restrictions between the main villa and annexes removed.
- Townhouses can be built adjacent to each other across two plots, improving urban planning efficiency while maintaining architectural harmony.
Advancing Dubai’s Housing and Social Goals
His Excellency Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, emphasised that the Dubai Municipality housing policies under the ‘Home First’ initiative are designed to create a flexible and sustainable urban framework. Furthermore, he stated that the initiative aligns with Dubai Social Agenda 33, which seeks to position Dubai as the best city in the world for living, housing services and community well-being.
“This initiative supports the affordable housing initiatives in Dubai, ensuring Emirati families have adaptable, high-quality housing solutions that meet their evolving needs while maintaining Dubai’s high architectural standards,” he stated.
Encouraging Emirati Homeownership
The Dubai government housing programs are focused on creating sustainable residential environments that prioritise affordability and accessibility. Dubai Municipality invites Emirati citizens to explore the benefits of the ‘Home First’ initiative by visiting its official website or contacting its call centre at 800900 for further details on documentation and eligibility.
Dubai Municipality remains committed to enhancing construction-related services, regulations, and urban planning efforts. Together with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), it aims to develop a smart, sustainable and globally competitive construction sector. Through home initiatives in Dubai like ‘Home First,’ a new benchmark in affordable housing for Emiratis has been set.
FAQs
What is the Home First Initiative in Dubai?
It’s a Dubai Municipality housing initiative that enhances Emirati family housing through urban planning amendments, allowing greater flexibility in home customisation.
Who is eligible for the Home First Initiative?
The initiative is for Emirati citizens who own residential properties in Dubai, offering them adaptable housing solutions under the updated Dubai Building Code.
Can I build a family annexe before the main villa?
Yes, Emirati homeowners can construct a side family annexe before the main villa, including bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens for added space and privacy.
The landscape of Dubai continues to grow with sustainable housing developments. Alongside this, every new project in Dubai is thoughtfully designed and planned, facilitating investors and new settlers.
A range of properties for sale in Dubai cater to a wide audience of investors and settlers, both locals and foreigners. There are designated freehold areas in Dubai where expatriates and foreigners buy real estate and invest in properties. In a nutshell, the real estate sector offers an inclusive environment, facilitating every investor and stakeholder.
For more updates on housing schemes in Dubai and other emirates, keep reading UAE’s top real estate blog.
