The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme approved AED290.4 million in housing loans and grants for 490 eligible Emiratis, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the national housing scheme, announced today.

The amount covers 352 residential housing grants and 79 housing loans, he said during a board meeting that coincided with the celebration of the 45th UAE National Day.

The move reflects the government's keen efforts to promote happiness, provide modern housing units, and decent living conditions and welfare, for all nationals, the minister said.

The approval of the assistance is in response to the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and is being followed up by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the minister added.