Home/Uae/Housing Subsidies Sheikh Zayed Housing Program Guide
SZHP Federal Housing Law & Local Authorities — 2026

UAE Housing Subsidies & SZHP Program

Detailed handbook on Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme grants (up to AED 800k), Abu Dhabi & Dubai residential land allocations, home construction loans, and expat housing allowances.

UAE Government Housing Architecture

Housing support for UAE national families is delivered through the federal Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (SZHP) under the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, alongside emirate-specific authorities like ADHA (Abu Dhabi) and MBHRE (Dubai).

For foreign expat residents, housing is supported through Employer Housing Allowances (HRA) or corporate housing units.

Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (SZHP - Federal)

Target Audience: UAE National citizens across all 7 emirates

Support Package: Interest-free housing loans & non-refundable grants up to AED 800,000

Eligibility Rules: Emirati citizens with monthly income <= AED 15,000 (grants) or > AED 15,000 (interest-free loans)

SZHP Loan & Grant Types

🎁 Non-Refundable Housing Grant

Up to AED 800,000 grant for Emirati families earning ≤ AED 15,000 monthly basic income.

🏦 Interest-Free Housing Loan

Up to AED 800,000 interest-free loan repaid over 25 years for Emirati families earning > AED 15,000 monthly basic income.

Expat Housing Allowance Framework

  • 🏠 Housing Allowance (HRA): Typically 25%–40% of total monthly gross salary package
  • 🏢 Company Accommodation: Employer provides fully furnished flat or villa
  • 🧾 Dubai Municipality Housing Fee: 5% of annual rent added to DEWA utility bills
  • 📑 Ejari Registration: Mandatory tenancy registration required for visa sponsorship

Frequently Asked Questions

SZHP is a federal housing initiative providing UAE national citizens with non-refundable housing grants or interest-free loans up to AED 800,000.

Government housing grants are reserved for citizens. However, expat employees often receive Housing Allowance (HRA) as part of their employer compensation package.

Dubai Municipality charges a Housing Fee equal to 5% of annual rent (split into 12 monthly payments) on the tenant's DEWA utility bill.
📑 Ejari Tenancy & Housing Fee Calculator →🏠 UAE Tenant & Landlord Rental Laws Guide →
MOEI & SZHP Verified

• Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (MOEI): moei.gov.ae
• Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA): adha.gov.ae