Dubai Municipality has launched the ‘Home First’ initiative to enhance housing options for Emirati families, offering flexibility in planning and construction. This aligns with the UAE’s ‘Year of Community’ and Dubai Social Agenda 33.
What is the ‘Home First’ Initiative?
The ‘Home First’ initiative aims to improve housing solutions for Emirati families by introducing a set of urban planning amendments. These changes will allow families to customize their homes to meet their social and family needs more effectively.
The initiative also supports the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, which focuses on strengthening family bonds and promoting social values. This programme, led by Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, the wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to create a sustainable and family-friendly residential environment in Dubai.
Changes Under the ‘Home First’ Initiative
1. Greater Flexibility in Home Construction
Dubai Municipality has updated the Dubai Building Code to allow more flexibility in residential planning. Emirati families can now build a side family annex before the main villa. This annex can include:
- Additional bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Kitchens
Homeowners can build a separate villa for a son within the same property. This adjustment ensures better use of space while maintaining privacy and strengthening family ties.
2. Expanded Villa Construction Options
Families now have the option to expand their villas with a full 100% extension on the second floor, providing more living space for growing families.
Setback regulations have been revised to increase construction flexibility:
- Minimum setback for villas reduced to 1.5 metres
- Additional 1.5-metre setback for rooftop floors across all boundaries
- Setback requirements between service annexes and the main villa have been removed
Service annexes can now be built up to eight metres high across two floors, allowing more functional use of available space.
3. New Rules for Townhouse Construction
The initiative also introduces changes to townhouse construction rules. Builders can now construct townhouses adjacent to each other across two plots, improving urban planning efficiency and maintaining architectural consistency. This change aims to create more harmonious residential communities.
Supporting Family Stability and Community Growth
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, highlighted that the ‘Home First’ initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to improving family well-being and community cohesion.
“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. These new allowances provide Emirati families with adaptable housing facilities that meet their evolving needs while upholding Dubai’s high architectural standards,” bin Ghalita said.
Aligning with Dubai Social Agenda 33
The initiative is part of Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to make Dubai the best city for living and housing services. By enhancing housing options and improving urban planning, Dubai Municipality is working toward providing a dignified and comfortable living environment for Emirati families.
Bin Ghalita emphasized that the initiative would contribute to Dubai’s long-term urban development goals while supporting family cohesion and improving the overall quality of life for citizens.
How Emirati Families Can Benefit
Emirati citizens interested in exploring the benefits of the ‘Home First’ initiative can visit Dubai Municipality’s official website or contact the call centre at 800900 for more details on the required documentation and application process.
For a Better Living Experience
The ‘Home First’ initiative marks a significant step toward improving housing options for Emirati families. By introducing more flexible construction rules and enhancing residential planning, Dubai Municipality is helping families create more comfortable and functional living spaces.
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