A Major Relief Initiative Supporting Citizens
A powerful new financial relief initiative has been announced for thousands of Emiratis as President Sheikh Mohamed approved the waiver of more than Dh475 million in debt. This decision reflects the UAE’s long-standing commitment to supporting its citizens, ensuring their financial stability and promoting an inclusive and supportive society. The debt waiver is structured to ease the burden on individuals who face financial challenges due to genuine life circumstances and unexpected hardships.
The initiative will support 1,435 Emiratis whose loans have been settled through the Defaulted Debts Settlement Fund. This fund cooperates with 19 national banks and financial institutions to ensure that settlements are handled fairly, professionally and according to clear guidelines. The relief package is part of the UAE’s broader focus on social development and citizen welfare, aligning with the country’s values of compassion, unity and collective progress.
Who Will Benefit from the Debt Waiver
The debt settlement targets Emiratis whose financial struggles arise from situations beyond their control. These individuals include those facing medical challenges, humanitarian cases, low-income families, retirees, senior citizens and families of the deceased. Many of these beneficiaries have been unable to repay their loans due to circumstances that severely affected their income, health or overall living conditions.
Priority Given to Essential Needs
To ensure fairness, all settlements are processed based on strict legal and regulatory criteria. Only loans used for essential needs, such as medical care, family necessities or urgent life requirements, are eligible for relief. This approach ensures that the support reaches citizens who genuinely need financial assistance, while also maintaining accountability and transparency in the process.
By focusing on essential loans, the initiative helps protect citizens from long-term financial stress and allows them to regain control over their economic future. It also promotes responsible financial behaviour by ensuring that only genuine cases receive assistance.
Supporting Financial Rehabilitation
Beyond clearing overdue loans, the initiative is designed to guide citizens toward financial recovery. Many of the beneficiaries have faced years of pressure due to accumulating debt and limited resources. By wiping out their overdue loans, the government aims to provide a fresh start and encourage long-term financial stability.
The initiative not only removes immediate financial burdens but also helps citizens rebuild confidence, improve their savings and participate more actively in economic and social life. For many families, this relief marks a turning point toward a more secure and stable future.
A Broader Vision for Social Development
The debt waiver reflects the leadership’s continued efforts to strengthen the social fabric of the UAE. The initiative aligns with national goals to reduce financial stress among citizens and to enhance overall well-being. The move also promotes social inclusion by ensuring that individuals with limited income or vulnerable backgrounds receive the support they need at crucial moments in their lives.
This initiative also underscores the UAE’s philosophy of building a society centered on human dignity, equality and shared growth. It highlights the government’s proactive approach to supporting citizens and ensuring they are equipped to overcome challenges, regardless of their background or personal circumstances.
Additional Housing Benefits Announced for Emiratis
Alongside the debt relief programme, President Sheikh Mohamed has approved Abu Dhabi’s third housing benefits package of the year. The package is valued at Dh4 billion and will benefit 3,310 Emirati citizens throughout Abu Dhabi. This housing initiative is a strong continuation of the leadership’s efforts to provide secure, modern and affordable living conditions for Emirati families.
Breakdown of the Housing Package
The Dh4 billion housing package includes multiple forms of support that address different housing needs. This diverse structure ensures that families from various income levels and life situations receive the assistance required to build or maintain stable homes. The package aims to reduce financial burdens related to housing while encouraging family stability and long-term community development.
Dh2.27 Billion in Housing Loans
The largest share of the package involves housing loans worth Dh2.27 billion. These loans will benefit 1,768 citizens who require financial support to build new homes, renovate existing homes or complete ongoing construction. The loans offer flexibility and help families create comfortable and sustainable living environments.
Dh1.51 Billion in Housing Grants and Ready Homes
Another major component of the package includes Dh1.51 billion allocated to housing grants and ready-built homes. These grants support citizens who may not have the financial capacity to secure loans. Ready-built homes provide immediate solutions for families who need housing urgently, allowing them to settle into safe and secure environments without delay.
Loan Repayment Exemptions for Vulnerable Groups
A significant part of the initiative focuses on supporting limited-income senior citizens, retirees and families of the deceased. These groups will receive full exemptions on existing housing loans. By removing these financial responsibilities, the government ensures that vulnerable families are not burdened by loan repayments during moments of hardship.
Emirati Family Growth Programme Support
The Dh4 billion package also includes Dh208 million dedicated to 204 citizens under the Emirati Family Growth Programme. This programme encourages family expansion and supports larger households, reinforcing the UAE’s goal of strengthening family stability and social unity. The financial assistance helps cover the additional costs associated with raising larger families, ensuring that citizens are not limited by financial barriers when planning their futures.
Total Housing Benefits Distributed in 2025
With the approval of this latest package, the total value of housing benefits distributed to Abu Dhabi citizens in 2025 has reached Dh15.384 billion. A total of 10,718 citizens have received financial support through a combination of housing loans, grants, exemptions and ready-home allocations.
This major investment demonstrates the UAE’s ongoing dedication to improving the quality of life of its citizens. It highlights the government’s long-term strategy of ensuring that every Emirati has access to secure, comfortable and sustainable housing. Such initiatives also contribute to the country’s broader goals of supporting population growth, community development and national stability.
Strengthening Social Stability and Unity
Government officials expressed their gratitude and appreciation toward the UAE leadership for continuously placing citizens’ welfare at the forefront of national development. The combined impact of debt relief and housing benefits plays a vital role in strengthening the UAE’s social structure. These programmes foster unity, improve stability and help families build brighter futures without the fear of overwhelming financial challenges.
The initiatives also reinforce the UAE’s values of generosity and solidarity. They reflect a leadership that listens to its people, understands their struggles and responds with meaningful, lasting solutions.
A Leadership Committed to the Future
President Sheikh Mohamed’s directives reflect a leadership vision that prioritises human well-being, economic stability and long-term national prosperity. Debt relief and housing support are more than temporary measures; they are strategic investments in the future of Emiratis.
By eliminating financial obstacles, the UAE empowers its citizens to focus on their aspirations, careers, families and contributions to society. This approach helps build a resilient, motivated and confident population, ready to participate in the nation’s continued growth.
Conclusion
The waiver of Dh475 million in debt and the approval of Dh4 billion in housing benefits mark a transformative moment for thousands of Emirati families. These initiatives highlight the UAE leadership’s unwavering dedication to improving citizens’ lives, supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening the social structure of the country.
Through financial relief, thoughtful housing programmes and a commitment to human dignity, the UAE continues to build a future in which every citizen has the opportunity to experience stability, growth and well-being.
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