Society Editor
By Tolu Adesuwa Igiehon
Renowned Emirati businessman Khalaf Ahmad has launched a major housing initiative aimed at supporting young couples preparing for marriage, easing one of the biggest challenges facing families at the start of their lives together — access to affordable housing.
The project involves the allocation of 88 residential apartments located in Al Habtoor Tower, comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The apartments are reserved for young men and women seeking to establish stable families but who lack the financial means to secure a home.
Under the initiative, Khalaf Ahmad will cover approximately 70 per cent of the cost of each apartment, while beneficiaries will pay the remaining 30 per cent through a flexible payment plan spread over up to five years. The total value of the project exceeds Dh270 million.
The initiative aligns with the UAE government’s broader focus on family stability, coming amid the Ministry of Family’s ‘Family First’ programme, unveiled at this year’s World Government Summit. The programme aims to make urban spaces, housing, healthcare and social services more supportive of family life.
Speaking on the project, Khalaf Ahmad described the initiative as a practical humanitarian and social commitment designed to remove one of the most significant barriers young people face when considering marriage.
“Supporting young people must go beyond words and translate into tangible actions that help them build their future,” he said, noting that access to housing is essential for family stability and social security.
The housing scheme builds on a series of community-focused initiatives previously launched by the businessman, including financial support for Emirati employees upon marriage, increased assistance when they have children, advocacy for family formation, and the organisation of group wedding ceremonies.
The UAE currently has more than 60 family-related policies, supported by over 20 federal and local government entities, addressing challenges across housing, education, employment, healthcare and social welfare. Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, UAE Minister of Family, has previously described family wellbeing as a “national, multi-dimensional priority.”
Khalaf Ahmad emphasised that investing in people is the most valuable investment a nation can make, stressing that enabling young citizens to marry and build families will have a lasting positive impact on society, the economy and long-term national development.
He also called on both public and private stakeholders to contribute to similar initiatives that strengthen family units and support the country’s future generations.
