ABU DHABI // Sheikh Khalifa has approved development and housing projects worth Dh800 million, which includes building new homes and refurbishing villas.
The initiatives are aimed at improving the economic and living standards of Emiratis. Plans are also in place to build a Dh15m autism centre in Umm Al Quwain.
According to state news agency, Wam, the building of more than 760 villas for citizens across the country has also been approved by the President's Initiatives Follow-up Committee, upon Sheikh Khalifa's instructions.
Ahmed Juma Al Za'abi, Deputy Minister for Presidential Affairs and chairman of the committee, said the panel will study the eligibility of 622 families.
The applications for government-funded homes were submitted to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, during his tour of the Eastern Coast, Wam said.
He said the committee will also replace about 140 old houses in Massafi, Rahba; Khor Khuwair in Ras Al Khaimah, and Diba Laqoub in Fujairah.
Approvals have also been given to replace a 132-kilovolt overhead line at Salma, in Umm Al Qaiwain, with land cables measuring 8.5 kilometres. This project is expected to cost Dh70m.
The autism centre in Umm Al Quwain is expected to take about 18 months to build.