H.H. Sheikh Hamdan approves development of 17,000 new homes

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved several new policies during a meeting of The Executive Council.

Under the Affordable Housing policy, Dubai has allocated 1.46 million square metres of land to develop 17,080 housing units across Dubai.

His Highness reaffirmed that Dubai’s position as a leading global city stems from a vision centred on empowering individuals, families, and communities. “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 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the 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,” Sheikh Hamdan noted.

He added: "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.”

The affordable housing project is in line with the Affordable Housing Policy approved by the Council, and the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The initiative, which targets skilled professionals in Dubai, aims to develop more vibrant communities, support economic growth, create jobs, and improve access to quality housing and essential services for residents of all incomes.

The first phase will develop six sites in Al Mueisim 1, Al Twar 1, Al Qusais Industrial 5, and Al Leyan 1. The new residential units will be offered at affordable rental rates, featuring thoughtfully designed, high-quality living spaces with access to key infrastructure and essential services.

The Council also approved the Enhancing Arabic Language and Islamic Studies Outcomes Policy, "reaffirming our commitment to comprehensive educational development and preserving our national identity, the Arabic language, and Islamic values."

The new education policy approved at the meeting supports Dubai’s goal to rank among the world’s top ten cities for education quality. It focuses on effective teaching methods from early childhood to pre-primary levels, aiming to raise academic performance in Arabic language and Islamic studies. It also fosters closer collaboration between teachers and parents, recognising the role of both schools and families in strengthening students’ cultural and national identity.

The Dubai Protocol for Curriculum Enhancement and the Emirati Teacher Recruitment and Training Programme are two of the initiatives being introduced under the policy, which also comprises partnerships with universities and colleges.

The policy includes a school–parent partnership programme to support curriculum development. The initiative focuses on modern learning materials that will help develop students’ critical thinking and research skills, while promoting professional development among teachers. The policy also aims to increase the number of Emirati teachers in Arabic language and Islamic studies. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) will oversee the policy’s implementation in coordination with private schools across Dubai.

This initiative includes increasing the percentage of Emirati teachers in core subjects in private schools.

The Council also approved the Independent Legal Consultant Project, which enables Emirati legal professionals to work as independent legal consultants with flexible hours, without the need to establish law firms in a physical office. 

Sheikh Hamdan commented: “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.”