Home First Initiative By Dubai Municipality Enhances Housing Facilities For Emirati Families

Dubai Municipality has introduced the 'Home First' initiative to improve housing for Emirati families, aligning with the 'Year of Community' declared by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This initiative aims to enhance family stability and social cohesion through urban planning amendments, improving the quality of life for Emiratis.

The initiative supports the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, founded by H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. This programme focuses on strengthening family bonds and promoting social values while creating a sustainable residential environment that adapts to the changing needs of Emirati families.

Dubai Municipality has revised the Dubai Building Code under this initiative, allowing more flexibility in residential planning. These changes enable Emirati citizens to customise their homes according to their social and family requirements. The updated regulations permit constructing a side family annex before the main villa, providing additional living spaces like bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens.

Families can now expand their villas with a full 100 percent extension on the second floor. Setback regulations have been adjusted, reducing the minimum setback for villas to 1.5 metres and adding an extra 1.5-metre setback for rooftop floors across all construction boundaries. Service annexes can now reach up to eight metres in height over two floors without setbacks from the main villa.

The initiative also allows building a separate villa for a son within the existing family property, ensuring efficient space use and privacy while maintaining strong family connections. Townhouses can be constructed adjacent to each other across two plots, enhancing urban planning efficiency while preserving architectural harmony.

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, stated that "The ‘Home First’ initiative reinforces Dubai Municipality’s commitment to a flexible and sustainable urban planning framework that supports family well-being and community stability." He emphasised that these new allowances provide adaptable housing facilities for Emirati families while maintaining Dubai’s high architectural standards.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

The initiative aligns with Dubai Social Agenda 33's goals of making Dubai the best city globally for living, housing services, and community well-being. By implementing these measures, Dubai aims to foster an inclusive living experience that enhances happiness and prosperity for all citizens.

Dubai Municipality encourages Emirati citizens to explore the benefits of this initiative by visiting its official website or contacting its call centre at 800900 for detailed information on required documentation.

The municipality remains dedicated to improving construction-related services, regulations, and building codes. It oversees licensing, construction activities, and strategic urban planning efforts supporting a smart, sustainable construction sector that meets international standards.

With inputs from WAM