Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Monday announced that the emirate has relinquished its share in Zayed Housing Programme to the other emirates, noting that the Sharjah Housing Programme was covering the emirate’s needs as it built 10,000 houses worth Dhs8 billion in 10 years since it was launched in 2012.

In a telephone conversation with Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General Of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, via the Direct Line programme broadcast live on Sharjah Radio and TV, Sheikh Sultan said Dr. Khalifa Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Department of Housing, would send a message that Sharjah will give up its share in the Zayed Housing Programme to other emirates, which might need houses more than Sharjah does.

The Sharjah Housing Programme, which was launched in 2012, provided so far a total of 9,608 grants and loans including 5,058 grants and 4,550 loans. By the end of this year, the programme would have completed 10 years, during which it provided 10,000 services.

The programme provided loans worth Dhs3.527 billion and grants worth Dhs7.527 billion, which would reach Dhs8 billion by the end of the year, Sheikh Sultan said, adding that the houses are divided in the emirate as follows: 5,550 houses, loans or grants in Sharjah City and Al Hamriya, 2,885 in Eastern Region and 1,173 in the Central Region.

Suhail Bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, has hailed the decision made by Sheikh Sultan to give up the emirate's share in the Zayed Housing Programme to other emirates.

"The decision is reflective of His Highness' constant concern about the welfare of Emirati citizens across all emirates," the minister said, noting that the human capital lies at the heart of the Sharjah Ruler's interest in a way that has reflected positively on the enabling housing legislation and ambitions projects that fufil the aspirations of the Sharjah people.''