Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed ordered billions of dirhams in housing packages to be distributed among more than 5,000 Emiratis in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, called for loans, houses and land — at a total value of Dh6.6bn — to be granted to citizens, under the directives of President Sheikh Khalifa.

The grants are part of government efforts to ensure social stability and improve the quality of life for Emiratis, reported state news agency Wam.

Sheikh Mohamed's decision to double the number of housing loans given to citizens is one of the goals outlined in Abu Dhabi's Development Accelerator programme Ghadan 21.

Approval for the housing packages was expedited to celebrate the UAE's 48th National Day, on December 2.

Abu Dhabi government has spent Dh11.6bn on distributing more than 6,000 housing loans, 250 houses and 1,800 plots to Emiratis so far this year.

The UAE Government allocates land, free accommodation or a loan to eligible Emiratis who apply though the Housing Allocation Committee.

Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, established in 1999, provides low-income Emiratis with interest-free loans that are repayable over a 25-year period. Priority is given to widows, senior Emiratis and people with disabilities.

The scheme was introduced to ensure all Emiratis have access to safe and affordable housing and basic services.