ABU DHABI // The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority will give priority to expanding developments for Emirati homes and installing infrastructure, the state news agency Wam has reported.
At the third meeting of the authority's board of directors, led by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, plans for the emirate's housing projects were outlined, including nearly 1,000 units to be added to the Al Falah Emirati development.
Infrastructure works for North Wathba, a residential project announced this year that will be the largest Emirati development to date, will also be given priority this year. Covering more than 4,100 hectares, the project will eventually hold 13,150 homes.
The board also discussed speeding up the development of 300 housing units in Al Hayer.
The authority approved the appointment of a contractor for works in Al Ain and Al Shuaibha.
Sheikh Hazza emphasised the "need to develop city housing in an integrated and thoughtful way, taking into account population density and the social needs of citizens".
He also stressed the importance of involving the private sector in urban development to boost economic and social growth.
Proximity to educational facilities, health centres, businesses and leisure areas, as well as good transport links, will be a major consideration for future housing projects.
Plans for more than 100 villas in Al Ain and 60 homes in Bida Al Mutawa in the Western Region were also approved.
Last month, the Abu Dhabi Executive Council announced nine projects with 12,500 new homes would be implemented across the emirate, including 786 homes and plots in Al Ain and Al Gharbia.
Musanada, the building and general services arm of the Abu Dhabi Government, was assigned to appoint a contractor to implement the housing scheme.
It includes construction of villas, housing units, mosques, and road, water, electricity and sewerage networks.
The Dh5.4 billion Watani project, which includes 703 villas for nationals in Khalifa City A, is expected to be completed in the second quarter of this year.
Another major scheme in Al Ain's Al Ghareba area, comprising 600 villas, is estimated to be completed in the third quarter of this year, as will the Sila'a housing project in the Western Region, which includes 448 villas, a mosque, school and women's centre.
