Ministry of Public Works to focus on infrastructure development and national housing sector

The national housing plan includes the construction of new cities on par with international standards in order to achieve a balanced and sustainable development and provide a higher standard of living for the citizens.

The transportation system will empower the Federal National Authority as the sole entity responsible for road safety across the country. The Authority will lead an investigation into identifying the major causes of road accidents and make recommendations. It will also conduct a close scrutiny of the local and federal road networks to ensure compliance with safety standards and federal regulations.

His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Public Works, said the ministry will seek to provide adequate housing for all UAE Nationals while setting up a national plan to cover housing requirements for the next 20 years.

The minister emphasized the importance of developing remote areas through an infrastructure database, with a specific objective to meet the needs of the people in those areas. The establishment of a Federal Council, which will have representatives from all the ministries, and the establishment of a general secretariat at the Federal Council for Development are expected to facilitate remote area development.

The ministry's strategy recommendations also include promoting the use of renewable energy in every household, and liaising with local entities to include this feature in building specifications. It will also discuss the feasibility of applying renewable energy to bigger projects, such as street lighting, and develop scientific standards to reduce energy use.

The Ministry of Works also plays a vital role in building schools in line with the directive of the country's leadership in spreading education. The ministry will identify the required standards for school buildings and ensure a maintenance mechanism for all schools in the UAE.

Attracting qualified UAE Nationals and developing local talent through adequate training, in line with government guidelines, is also part of the ministry's strategy.

Another key focus area for the ministry is electronic infrastructure. The shift to e-government is expected to ensure accuracy and speed of delivery of services, enhancing the ministry's capabilities while improving its performance.

The strategy of the Ministry of Public Works is the result of various studies as well as requirements and recommendations of some federal government departments which work in association with the ministry.

The ministry has identified 29 major initiatives which cover areas such as infrastructure, government buildings, development of remote areas and social development.