Applicants for residential land must be Emirati and more than 18 years old. They must be either working or retired or have a social guarantee certificate from the Ministry of Social Affairs. The certificate is issued to the needy, disabled, widows and those unable to work.
Applicants for houses must be Emirati and working or retired or have a social guarantee certificate and must not be a bachelor. Older bachelors can apply for shared housing in some cases, such as those with no family.
All applicants must supply their original family book, passport, salary certificate and tenancy contract if living in a rented apartment. Widows must present the death certificate of their husband, while divorcees must produce a certificate detailing their status alimony.
Non-Emirati husbands and wives married to an Emirati can also apply. They must produce a marriage certificate along with a passport copy and birth certificates of any children.
The Lands and Houses Distribution Committee is responsible for allocating properties. It assess all applications on the basis of need.
anwar@thenational.ae
