The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently achieved a significant diplomatic milestone by being elected to the presidency of the UN-Habitat General Assembly, alongside Malaysia. This victory not only marks the UAE’s first presidency of this important body but also secures its place on the Executive Board of UN-Habitat, a testament to its commitment to sustainable urban development and housing initiatives. The election took place during the Assembly meetings held in Nairobi, Kenya, and reflects the UAE’s proactive role in addressing global challenges related to urbanisation and housing.
UN-Habitat serves as the premier global platform for sustainable urbanisation, comprising 193 member states focused on improving living conditions in cities and enhancing the quality of life for urban communities. As the General Assembly’s highest decision-making body, it plays a crucial role in guiding global policies in these areas. The UAE’s election is seen as recognition of its substantial efforts to promote sustainable urban environments, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11, which advocates for inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, expressed his pride at this achievement, asserting it reflects the UAE’s dedication to creating integrated housing solutions and sustainable urban environments. He noted that housing and urban development are strategic priorities for the emirate, integral to social stability and overall well-being. The UAE has implemented various national initiatives aimed at providing adequate housing for both citizens and residents, which is essential for fostering a cohesive society.
A notable hallmark of the UAE’s approach to housing is the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, which has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of life for Emirati families since its establishment in 1999. The programme has achieved remarkable results, boasting a home ownership rate of over 91% among citizens, one of the highest globally. In 2023 alone, the programme issued 4,334 housing decisions valued at AED 3.34 billion, significantly accelerating the delivery of housing support compared to previous years. For instance, the decision-making time for housing assistance has reduced substantially, from over four years in 2017 to just over a year in 2023.
Al Mazrouei highlighted how this international recognition reinforces the UAE’s commitment to global housing initiatives and collaboration with member states. He anticipates that the joint presidency with Malaysia will enhance dialogue and allow for the exchange of best practices in urban planning and housing solutions. Additionally, Eng Mohamed Al Mansouri, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, commended the national efforts that secured support for the UAE’s leadership roles within UN-Habitat. He underscored the UAE’s ambition to pioneer innovative urban housing models that can address the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and climate change.
The election as president of UN-Habitat positions the UAE as an influential player in global discussions on urban policies. The leadership role offers an opportunity to promote sustainability and encourage the development of modern, inclusive urban spaces. Al Mazrouei reiterated the importance of cooperation with civil society and the private sector to craft innovative housing strategies that cater to the evolving needs of global communities. As the UAE steps into this new role, it is poised to foster better living conditions worldwide through sustainable urban development initiatives and transformative housing policies.
Ultimately, the recent achievement not only cements the UAE’s status on the global stage but also signifies its ongoing commitment to fulfilling the aspirations outlined in the United Nations’ sustainable development agenda. The country aims to harness this position to drive substantive progress in creating resilient urban environments that prioritise the well-being of citizens and residents alike.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://newsable.asianetnews.com/world/uae-wins-presidency-of-un-habitat-general-assembly-secures-executive-board-membership-kmv/articleshow-dg8grsm – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://newsable.asianetnews.com/world/uae-wins-presidency-of-un-habitat-general-assembly-secures-executive-board-membership-kmv/articleshow-dg8grsm – The UAE has achieved a significant diplomatic milestone by securing the presidency of the UN-Habitat General Assembly and a seat on its Executive Board. This accomplishment, shared with Malaysia, underscores the UAE’s leadership in sustainable urban development and housing. The UN-Habitat General Assembly, comprising 193 member states, is the programme’s highest decision-making body, responsible for guiding global policies aimed at improving living conditions in cities and enhancing the quality of life in urban communities. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted that this achievement reflects the UAE’s commitment to providing integrated housing solutions and sustainable urban environments, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
- https://www.moei.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/30/3/2024/zayed-housing-notable-achievements – Since its establishment in 1999, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme has been dedicated to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for Emirati families through sustainable housing solutions. Notable achievements include over 91% of citizens now owning residences, one of the highest rates globally. The programme has also significantly reduced the time required for citizens to obtain housing support decisions, from 4.42 years in 2017 to 1.07 years in 2023. In 2023, 4,334 support decisions were made, compared to 835 in 2021, representing a 72% increase. Additionally, the programme has increased the percentage of meeting housing needs from 34% in 2022 to 96% in 2023.
- https://en.aletihad.ae/news/uae/4474283/zayed-housing-programme-issues-4-334-housing-decisions-in-20 – The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme has announced that 4,334 decisions were made in 2023, valued at AED 3.34 billion. These included 3,015 housing finance decisions at AED 2,380,551,000 and 1,025 housing grants at AED 682,300,000. Mohammed Al Mansoori, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, highlighted that active loan decisions amount to AED 17.502 billion, at 90.6%, while the percentage of closed loan files is 9.4%. Since its establishment in 1999, the programme has been committed to enhancing citizens’ well-being and the quality of life for Emirati families through sustainable housing solutions.
- https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2024/03/28/zayed-housing-programme-issues-4334-housing-decisions-in-2023-worth-dhs3-34-billion – The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme has announced that 4,334 decisions were made in 2023, valued at AED 3.34 billion. These included 3,015 housing finance decisions at AED 2,380,551,000 and 1,025 housing grants at AED 682,300,000. Mohammed Al Mansoori, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, highlighted that active loan decisions amount to AED 17.502 billion, at 90.6%, while the percentage of closed loan files is 9.4%. Since its establishment in 1999, the programme has been committed to enhancing citizens’ well-being and the quality of life for Emirati families through sustainable housing solutions.
- https://www.onearabia.me/local/zayed-housing-programme-2023-aid-boost-011-17471.html – The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme has disclosed its achievements for the year 2023, showcasing a significant impact on the housing sector in the UAE. A total of 4,334 decisions were made this year, with a combined value of AED 3.34 billion. This includes 3,015 housing finance decisions valued at AED 2,380,551,000 and 1,025 housing grants amounting to AED 682,300,000. Mohammed Al Mansoori, the Director-General of the Programme, highlighted the efficiency and effectiveness of these decisions. He noted that active loan decisions currently stand at AED 17.502 billion, accounting for 90.6% of the total, while closed loan files make up the remaining 9.4%. Since its inception in 1999, the Programme has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for Emirati families through sustainable housing solutions.
- https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/uae/435153-sheikh-zayed-housing-programme-eyes-6bn-investment-by-2025 – The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, which seeks to meet the residential needs of Emirati citizens, aims to invest over AED 22 billion ($6 billion) over the next five years. The number of homes expected to be delivered by 2025 is 17,873, costing AED 17.32 billion, along with 5,134 houses in residential neighbourhoods already under construction. The cost of the programme’s future projects is expected to total AED 22.32 billion over the next five years, according to Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and chairman of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme. In comments published by state news agency WAM, he revealed that the programme has issued over 67,000 housing aid decisions around the country costing AED 17.5 billion since its inception in 1999, which include loans and grants to build new houses and maintain existing houses.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative reports the UAE’s election to the presidency of the UN-Habitat General Assembly and its membership on the Executive Board. The earliest known publication date of similar content is June 25, 2023, when the UAE participated in the second session of the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme ‘A sustainable urban future through inclusive and effective multilateralism: achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in times of global crises.’ During this session, the UAE delegation, led by Eng. Mohamed Al Mansouri, Director of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, addressed vital topics related to housing and urban development and secured endorsement as a nominee for the Assembly presidency during elections in 2025. ([wam.ae](https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395303172545?utm_source=openai)) The current narrative appears to be a recent development, reporting on the UAE’s successful election to the presidency and its membership on the Executive Board. However, the specific date of this election is not provided in the available sources. The absence of a clear publication date for the current narrative makes it challenging to assess its freshness accurately. Given the context, it is likely a recent development, but the lack of a specific date warrants caution.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Eng. Mohamed Al Mansouri, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme. A search for these quotes reveals that they have been used in earlier publications, notably in the UAE’s participation in the second session of the UN-Habitat Assembly in June 2023. For instance, Eng. Al Mansouri’s statement about the UAE’s commitment to creating integrated housing solutions and sustainable urban environments was reported in June 2023. ([wam.ae](https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395303172545?utm_source=openai)) The repetition of these quotes suggests that the current narrative may be recycling content from previous reports.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from newsable.asianetnews.com, a news outlet that is not widely recognised for its credibility. The lack of a clear publication date and the outlet’s limited reputation raise concerns about the reliability of the information presented. Additionally, the recycling of quotes from earlier publications further diminishes the trustworthiness of the source.
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
The claims about the UAE’s election to the presidency of the UN-Habitat General Assembly and its membership on the Executive Board are plausible, given the UAE’s active participation in UN-Habitat initiatives. However, the recycling of quotes from earlier publications and the lack of a clear publication date for the current narrative raise questions about its originality and timeliness. The absence of supporting details from other reputable outlets further diminishes the credibility of the claims.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative reports on the UAE’s election to the presidency of the UN-Habitat General Assembly and its membership on the Executive Board. However, the recycling of quotes from earlier publications, the lack of a clear publication date, and the questionable reliability of the source raise significant concerns about the freshness and originality of the content. Given these issues, the overall assessment is a ‘FAIL’ with medium confidence.
