Dubai’s Zayed Housing Program Approvals Hit $544.6M Across 2,971 Homes

Dubai, UAE - September 5, 2025 - His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to placing Emirati housing at the core of its national priorities under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasized that providing adequate housing is essential for family stability and social cohesion, describing it as one of the most important foundations of a thriving society.

H.H. stated, “The care devoted by H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the housing sector reflects a deeply rooted national approach aimed at enhancing community well-being and ensuring dignified living conditions for all citizens.”

He added, “The continuous development and close monitoring of the housing ecosystem is an ongoing priority to ensure that citizens benefit from modern, high-quality housing solutions across the country.”

Overview of Approvals

From January to the end of Q3 2025, the Zayed Housing Program issued 2,971 housing approvals with a total value of approximately $544.6 million (AED 2.069 billion).

These included:

• $96.6 million (AED 355 million) in grants issued under the directives of H.H. the UAE President.
• $67.1 million (AED 246.2 million) in government housing loans.
• $5.1 million (AED 19 million) in government housing grants or benefits.
• $394.9 million (AED 1.449 billion) in housing finance approvals.

Since July 2022, the program has issued 11,298 housing approvals with a combined value approaching $2.45 billion (AED 9 billion), highlighting the UAE's ongoing efforts to address housing needs at a national scale.

Strong Momentum in the UAE Real Estate Sector

The UAE real estate market continues to show strong growth in 2025, supported by a resilient economy, increased foreign investment, and improved growth prospects, according to the UAE Real Estate Market Review Q2 2025 by CBRE.

Dubai remains a key driver of this growth, with property sales increasing by 40% in the first half of 2025, reaching USD 89 million (AED 326.64 billion).

During Q1 2025 alone, approximately 9,400 residential units were delivered, marking a 4.44% year-on-year increase. Projections indicate that nearly 300,000 units will enter the market by 2028, ensuring supply keeps pace with rising demand.

Key submarkets leading this surge include:

• Jumeirah Village Circle
• Mohammed Bin Rashid City
• Business Bay

These areas are central to new housing developments, attracting both investors and end-users seeking diverse residential options.

Shift Towards Homeownership

Abu Dhabi is also witnessing steady growth in its housing supply pipeline, with strong delivery of residential units expected through 2025 and 2026. This expansion is supported by government initiatives aimed at attracting global talent and diversifying the economy.

The demand for housing loans has grown significantly, reflecting a broader societal shift from renting to homeownership. Favorable mortgage terms and improved affordability are encouraging more residents to purchase homes.

According to Betterhomes and Property Monitor data:

Dubai recorded $31.9 billion (AED 117.3 billion) in real estate transactions during the first half of 2025, up 25% year-on-year.

A notable increase in secondary market transactions reflects a maturing market and expanding housing options for buyers.

A Commitment to the Future

The combined efforts of government-backed initiatives like the Zayed Housing Program and the robust performance of the real estate sector demonstrate the UAE’s dedication to building a sustainable housing ecosystem. These developments not only address current housing needs but also align with the country’s long-term vision of fostering stability, prosperity, and growth for future generations.