In a major humanitarian initiative announced ahead of Eid Al Adha, the UAE has approved the cancellation of accumulated interest and profit charges on loans owed by low-income retirees across the country.

The financial relief package, launched under the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and closely followed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, is being implemented by the Defaulted Debts Settlement Fund in partnership with several UAE banks. 

Valued at more than Dh834 million, the initiative is designed to ease financial pressures on 2,339 senior citizens while strengthening social stability and supporting family wellbeing across the country.

The initiative specifically targets Emirati retirees aged 50 and above who fall within limited-income categories.

Under the mechanism announced, participating banks will waive future interest and profit charges on outstanding loans while beneficiaries continue repaying only the original loan amount through flexible payment schedules.

Among the banks contributing to the initiative, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Group accounted for the largest share at Dh655 million, followed by First Abu Dhabi Bank with Dh150 million. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank contributed Dh18.5 million, while Emirates NBD Group and Emirates Islamic Bank jointly provided Dh6.7 million.

Other participating institutions included Dubai Islamic Bank with Dh2.3 million, Commercial Bank of Dubai with Dh792,000, Sharjah Islamic Bank with Dh716,000 and the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah with Dh566,000.

Officials confirmed that beneficiaries will be contacted directly by participating banks and financial institutions regarding the implementation process and revised repayment arrangements.

The UAE is preparing for one of its biggest healthcare transformations yet after President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the adoption of a comprehensive national healthcare system covering citizens across all emirates.

The new framework includes a fully integrated national health insurance scheme designed to guarantee access to medical care and health services for every citizen.

New era for healthcare

Officials said the move reflects the UAE leadership’s long-term vision of building an advanced healthcare sector focused on:

• Universal healthcare access
• Preventive medicine
• Digital transformation
• Innovation
• Sustainable health services

The initiative aims to create a fully integrated healthcare model capable of improving efficiency, strengthening sector readiness and ensuring healthcare sustainability for future generations.

Focus on prevention and innovation

According to authorities, the system is designed around international best practices and modern healthcare standards, with strong emphasis on:

• Public health
• Smart digital health platforms
• Long-term health outcomes
• Resource efficiency across all emirates

Health is a national priority

Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, described the directive as part of a national vision placing human health and quality of life at the centre of the country’s development journey.

He said the UAE continues advancing healthcare systems built on:

• Prevention
• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Expanded access to medical services

Integrated healthcare 

Officials also highlighted that the UAE already operates through a strong federal and local healthcare model supported by:

• Advanced medical infrastructure
• Connected digital healthcare systems
• Ongoing investment in healthcare quality and accessibility

The new healthcare system is expected to further strengthen integration between health services while improving resilience and long-term care outcomes for citizens at every stage of life.

Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre have announced a massive new wave of infrastructure projects worth Dh55 billion across Abu Dhabi.

The projects, scheduled across 2026 and 2027, will introduce new roads, schools, healthcare centres, flood control systems and community facilities as the capital continues its rapid expansion.

Dh35 billion allocated to roads and transport

The biggest share of the investment is going into transport infrastructure, with around Dh35 billion earmarked for 11 major road developments.

Plans include:

• More than 300km of new roads
• Upgrades to tunnels and intersections
• Expanded traffic networks across the emirate
• Improved connectivity to key residential and commercial areas

For residents navigating heavy traffic around areas such as Yas Island and central Abu Dhabi, the upgrades are expected to ease congestion and improve travel times.

New schools, healthcare and sports facilities planned

The remaining Dh9 billion will focus on social infrastructure projects aimed at improving daily life for residents.

The plans include:

• New schools and universities
• Specialised healthcare centres
• Sports and recreational facilities
• Community-focused infrastructure developments

Officials said several earlier public-private partnership projects in Abu Dhabi, including Zayed City Schools and the emirate’s LED road lighting programme, have already received regional industry recognition.

Flood control and drainage systems upgrade

Another Dh11 billion will be invested into water infrastructure projects, including:

• Stormwater drainage systems
• Flood prevention networks
• Water storage facilities
• New dams and flood control infrastructure

The move comes after severe weather and flooding events across the UAE over the past year pushed drainage and climate resilience higher up the national agenda.

The latest announcement signals Abu Dhabi’s continued push to modernise infrastructure, support population growth and strengthen quality of life across the emirate.