Speaking before the Federal National Council, Al Mazrouei clarified that unmarried Emirati women could qualify for housing assistance under six specific categories: custodial widows, custodial divorcees, orphans, women of unknown parentage, women who have lost both parents, and elderly women. The initiative aims to provide greater housing security and social stability for those in need.

For women who do not meet these criteria, housing support applications must be submitted at a parent’s request. The minister explained that this approach aligns with Cabinet Resolution No. 61 of 2021, which outlines the conditions for housing assistance and aims to uphold family cohesion.

Al Mazrouei’s comments were in response to a query from Federal National Council member Saeed Al Abadi, who sought clarification on the restricted housing support available to unmarried Emirati women.

Al Abadi also criticized the slow processing of housing applications, highlighting that even when a woman qualifies, significant delays can stall progress. He noted that securing a housing plot through local authorities can take up to a year, and once allocated, many plots lack essential infrastructure such as roads and basic utilities.

He urged urgent reforms, calling for a review of the housing eligibility criteria to better support single and divorced Emirati women. Al Abadi emphasized that these changes are crucial for improving women’s quality of life and advancing gender empowerment in the UAE.