A proposal to acquire a privately owned coastal plot in the historic fishing village of Malkiya for the development of a new housing project serving local families has been unanimously approved by the Northern Municipal Council.
The initiative was presented by councillor Zainab Al Durazi, who pointed to a lack of available land for housing projects within or near the village.
Financial, administrative and legislative committee, chaired by Dr Mohsin Abdulla, reviewed the proposal and issued a favourable technical and legal opinion before recommending it to the council for approval.
The private plot in question – part of parcel number 10027887 in Block 1033 – lies along Malkiya’s western coastline, an area long known for its traditional fishing heritage and close-knit community.
According to Ms Al Durazi, the proposal aims to address “the growing and long-standing housing needs of Malkiya’s residents.”
Ms Durazi
She explained that many families have had pending applications for years, with no land available in nearby government projects to accommodate new houses.
“This proposal is about giving the people of Malkiya a chance to remain in their own village – near their families, their heritage, and their livelihoods,” Ms Al Durazi said. “By acquiring a small section of the coastal land, we can create a well-planned residential project that meets local needs without disrupting the natural environment.”
The proposed acquisition focuses on utilising only a portion of the larger plot to minimise impact on surrounding land and preserve the village’s character.
The site is strategically located near public services such as schools, mosques, main roads, and water and sewage networks, making it well-suited for an integrated housing development.
Ms Al Durazi emphasised that the project supports the government’s broader housing strategy and reflects the council’s commitment to sustainable, community-based development.
“Our goal is to ensure that development happens for the people, not around them,” she said. “This project will help preserve Malkiya’s social fabric while meeting urgent housing needs in a practical and respectful way.”
In its technical review, the council’s support unit confirmed there were “no legal or planning objections to the partial acquisition” of the designated area, noting that the location and topography were suitable for housing purposes.
Dr Abdulla said the financial and legislative review confirmed the proposal’s feasibility and social importance.
Dr Abdulla
“Malkiya is a historic community with deep roots, and its people deserve access to proper housing without having to relocate far from their families,” he said.
“This partial acquisition approach is both efficient and socially responsible, it balances development with community preservation,” he added.
The committee’s recommendation will now be forwarded to the Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Minister Wael Al Mubarak for approval and co-ordination with the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry.
“The council’s decision marks another step in its efforts to expand access to affordable housing across the Northern Governorate, particularly in coastal and rural communities facing land constraints,” said Dr Abdulla.
“The last government housing project built in the area was more than 20 years ago.”
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