The number of families on the housing waiting list has dropped as 80 per cent of them have switched to seeking financing solutions, Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi told the Shura Council yesterday.
By the end of 2024, more than 8,000 requests had been met through financing options, she added.
The minister also confirmed that necessary budgets have been allocated to fulfil more than 6,000 financing requests this year under these options.
She affirmed the ministry’s commitment to complete housing projects in Salman Town, East Sitra, East Hidd and Khalifa Town.
“There is also work underway on four housing projects in Salman Town, besides other projects in Buhair and Howrat A’ali in partnership with the private sector,” she said in a written response to a question by MP Abdulwahid Qarata.
“We are also preparing the necessary procedures to launch a tender for projects in Khalifa Town, which will provide approximately 3,000 housing units and apartments.”
The minister also addressed the provision of housing units as part of the Muharraq City Development Project.
The first phase will see the construction and renovation of approximately 300 housing units, with the project’s overall capacity reaching 2,000 units in future phases through partnerships with the private sector.
The number of requests on the ownership services waiting list has fallen to 47,600, from more than 55,000 in 2022, said Ms Al Romaihi, adding that the number of land plot requests currently on the waiting list is 1,295, while there are 1,697 requests for ownership apartments.
“Around 33,900 applications are receiving monthly housing allowances.”
She attributed the decline in waiting list numbers to the diversification of housing options through private sector partnerships and the increased uptake of housing finance programmes.
“Regarding the ministry’s plan to meet the demand for housing, the housing finance programme provides immediate solutions for citizens without waiting periods, especially after the introduction of Tasjeel and newly introduced category benefits.”
The Shura Council was notified of the response during their weekly session yesterday.
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