Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, chaired a meeting of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs on Tuesday, focusing on initiatives aimed at enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life for citizens.
Emphasizing that the welfare of citizens is a top priority, Sheikh Hamdan reiterated the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: “The citizen comes first, second, and third in all our endeavours.”
During the session, the committee approved a plan to utilize Dh10 billion in real estate and financial assets through the Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation.
This initiative is expected to generate annual returns of up to Dh1 billion by 2033, ensuring sustainable funding for future projects.
The committee also reviewed its achievements, which include over 33,400 Emiratis employed in both public and private sectors.
In addition, 1,315 housing units were delivered, and various grants and loans were distributed to support citizens’ housing needs.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the importance of quality housing in fostering citizen stability and wellbeing, adding that 426 Emiratis were exempted from housing loan repayments worth Dh146 million.
He also announced two new social initiatives: the ‘Thukhr’ initiative, which honors retirees, and the ‘Ghamran Camp Initiative,’ designed to strengthen intergenerational bonds and promote Emirati values by bringing fathers and sons together in the desert.
