Abu Dhabi launches Dh1.75 million housing loan to build on subdivided farmland

Abu Dhabi has introduced a new housing construction loan service that allows eligible Emiratis to build homes on subdivided agricultural land, offering up to Dh1.75 million per plot to make homeownership more accessible and support long-term family stability. Launched by the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) in collaboration with the Urban Planning and Permits Centre at the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the initiative is aligned with the goals of the UAE's Year of Family.

How it works

The service allows owners of agricultural land in Abu Dhabi to subdivide their plots among sons or grandsons who wish to benefit. Once the subdivision is complete, each eligible beneficiary can apply for a residential construction loan of Dh1.75 million on the subdivided plot — available either as a repayable loan or through a deferred repayment scheme based on the beneficiary's monthly income. On top of the loan, beneficiaries receive an additional grant of Dh250,000, disbursed alongside it and subject to terms and conditions.

Who qualifies, and the conditions

The authority said it may also consider applications from first-degree female relatives, including spouses — or multiple spouses where applicable — in line with the approved eligibility criteria. Applicants who already hold an inactive housing construction loan or a residential land grant must first cancel the inactive loan or relinquish the grant. The subdivided property is then registered in the beneficiary's name as residential land, with its possession designated as a grant. Eligible plots must be free of legal restrictions and have the required infrastructure in place at the time of loan approval, as specified under DMT planning approval.

Where it starts, and when

In its initial phase, the service will be available for agricultural lands in Al Rahbah, Al Bahyah and Al Samhah. ADHA said full details on availability and application procedures would be announced by the end of the year, with the process delivered through its digital channels to simplify the customer journey.

Part of the Year of Family

Officials framed the scheme as part of a broader drive to expand housing options for citizens while reinforcing family unity and social cohesion. ADHA's Director General, Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, said the service reflected the authority's commitment to innovative housing solutions that meet citizens' needs, while the DMT's Urban Planning and Permits Centre described the collaboration as a way to turn family-owned agricultural land into a foundation for the next generation's homes. The initiative adds to Abu Dhabi's wider housing-benefits programme for Emiratis, which includes loans, land grants and ready-built homes.