Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, stressed that the government housing sector is one of the government’s priorities, as the wise leadership remains concerned about providing a dignified living to the country’s citizens.

He added that the leadership’s interest is the reason why housing is a prominent topic, which was discussed during the annual meetings of the UAE government, which aims to realise the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071, while considering housing a government priority, to achieve happiness for the country’s citizens, as they are the foundation of the UAE’s overall development process.

In his speech today marking World Habitat Day, Dr. Al Nuaimin stated that housing is one of the basic factors in achieving security and stability for individuals, which is why it is a major part of the country’s policies. Realising the goals of these policies demands considerable efforts, including launching integrated housing programmes and transforming outdated types of housing to modern residences, such as integrated housing complexes, and the ministry and programme are working according to this process, he added.

He further stressed that the UAE government spares no efforts to achieve residential stability and provide happiness and welfare to its citizens, as part of the directives of the wise leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses, the Sheikhs, the Rulers of the UAE.

The United Nations designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.

The theme for World Habitat Day - 2nd October 2017 - is Housing Policies: Affordable Homes.

The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.

World Habitat Day was established in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/202, and was first celebrated in 1986.