Does Dubai Have Free Housing?
Living in Dubai can be expensive, but there are affordable housing options available for individuals with limited incomes. The UAE government has implemented special housing schemes to assist Emirati citizens who are unable to afford a home on their own.
In this blog, we’ll explain what “free housing” really means, who gets this help in Dubai, and how these government housing schemes work.
Understanding the Concept of “Free Housing”
Let’s first talk about what “free housing” really means. Usually, it means a place to live where you don’t have to pay rent or buy a house.
In some areas, the government provides homes to people at no cost or a significantly reduced rate. Sometimes, employers offer free accommodations to their employees as part of their compensation package.
Now, this doesn’t mean everyone gets a free house. It depends on who you are and where you live.
Some people receive help from the government, while others must pay for everything themselves. To understand free housing in Dubai, we first need to identify who gets this kind of support.
Does Dubai Have Free Housing?
In the UAE, the government assists its citizens by providing free housing or home loans when necessary.
These housing programs ensure that every Emirati has a suitable place to live, which is a vital aspect for everyone. In Dubai, there are two primary ways to apply for this type of assistance.
One big program is called the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme. It provides support for buying a house or renovating an old one.
People with low incomes can even obtain loans with no additional charges, and they have 25 years to repay them. Another option is the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment.
This one is specifically for Dubai citizens and helps them acquire plots, homes, or even funds for house repairs.
Sheikh Zayed Housing Scheme
The Sheikh Zayed Housing Scheme started in 1999. It was created to assist Emirati citizens, including divorced women, orphans, widows, and low-income workers who cannot afford to purchase their own homes.
This program ensures that even people with limited incomes have a chance to live in a proper home.
The scheme offers help in different ways. People can get support to build, buy, or fix a house they already own.
Some receive grants, some loans, and others may be given a government-built home. What’s nice is that the loans are interest-free and can be paid back slowly over 25 years.
How to apply for the Sheikh Zayed Housing Scheme
- Must be a UAE citizen with a family book and a valid Emirates ID.
- If married to a non-UAE woman, must either have children with her or have been married for at least 7 years.
- Cannot already have a suitable place to live or have sold a home in the last 10 years.
- Cannot have received any government housing assistance in the past 10 years.
- Must not be able to afford to buy or build a house independently.
- Income must be between AED 15,000 and AED 100,000.
The Program is Open To
- People with special needs
- Senior citizens
- Orphans
- Widows and divorcees with children
- Women married to non-citizens.
- People with unknown parents
Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment: A Helping Hand for Emiratis in Dubai
If you’re a UAE citizen living in Dubai and need help with housing, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE) is here for you.
Started in 2007, MBRHE offers support, including grants for land, ready-made homes, and assistance with fixing or expanding your current house.
They also offer housing loans according to specific rules and policies. This program ensures that Emiratis in Dubai have access to suitable housing options.
Applying is straightforward. Just visit the MBRHE website and click on the ‘Service’ button. From there, you can choose what you need.
You’ll need your UAE Pass to log in, so make sure it’s ready. Once logged in, you can apply using your Emirates ID and follow the steps provided.
It’s a simple process designed to make housing assistance accessible to those who qualify.
Conclusion
While Dubai doesn’t offer free housing to everyone, the UAE government does provide strong support to its citizens through housing programs.
These programs ensure that UAE nationals can live in safe and suitable homes. If you’re a citizen who qualifies, applying online is easy with your Emirates ID and UAE Pass.
FAQs
What is the Sheikh Zayed Housing Scheme?
The Sheikh Zayed Housing Scheme helps Emiratis by providing grants, loans, or government-built homes. It’s for those who need help buying or repairing a house.
Who is eligible for the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment?
This scheme is available to UAE citizens living in Dubai. It offers grants for land, homes, and repairs, as well as housing loans based on specific policies.
Do I have to pay back the money from these housing schemes?
Some housing assistance programs offer interest-free loans, which you can pay back over 25 years. Others may provide grants that don’t need to be repaid.
How can I apply for housing assistance in Dubai?
To apply, you need to visit the official websites for the Sheikh Zayed Housing Scheme or the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment. You’ll need your Emirates ID and UAE Pass to log in and submit your application.
Can anyone get free housing in Dubai?
Free housing is only available to select UAE citizens, based on their income, family status, and other specific criteria. It’s not available to everyone living in Dubai.
