August 30, 2025 | Dubai, UAE:  In 2023, the UAE Villages Project was an initiative established by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes. It is a strategic establishment that focuses on the extensive and sustainable development of remote areas.

The strategy aims to transform villages in Abu Dhabi into magnificent hubs for economic, cultural, and social development. It fixates on infrastructural development, providing necessary services, and creating an environment for tourism and cultural activities.

Residents view this reform as a crucial step towards an all-inclusive and fair standard of living, easing daily life, focusing on stability, and enhancing cultural connectivity and identity. 

Developmental Needs Across the UAE Villages

Certain rural areas still face disconnection and difficulties in availing services, emphasizing the dire need for escalated development.

• Ramah

In Ramah, residents have urged the initiation of development in several areas affecting daily life. A resident, Khamis Al Khaili, expressed the shortage of commercial outlets and corporations, calling for the development of the Agricultural Guidance Center. He also pointed out that the inadequacy of fuel stations poses a commuting problem for the community.

Afra Al Khaili requested the expansion of Al Taliah Girls School, on all educational levels, a sports arena, and public parks under the UAE Villages Project. Another resident emphasized the urgency of safety concerns due to impoverished lighting and waste management facilities, as well as unpleasant odours. 

• Al Khaznah

Locals of Al Khaznah admire the authorities’ persistent efforts but hope for accelerated development. Maryam, a UAE resident, aims for the arrival of commercial businesses and outlets to meet demands and for decent road facilities to ensure smoother mobility.

She also demanded healthcare professionals and academic services for children for the comprehensive development of the region.

• Abu Samrah

Residents of Abu Samrah pointed out the need for delivery services from restaurants, medical shops, and supermarkets to get accessibility and convenience under the UAE Villages Project.

Moza Khalifa, a resident of the area, suggested official delivery apps and establishing centralized points along with pharmaceutical shops.

Under the UAE Villages Project, Meetha Al Khaili has urged the government to address the inadequacies of provisions, such as hospitals with a 24-hour emergency center and banks with ATM facilities.

• Suweihan

In Suweihan, resident Al Mazrouei appeals to the government for commercial outlets and cooperatives to satiate regular needs. He also spoke about the diminished healthcare and calls for a strategy for extensive development. The region requires childcare centers, sports clubs, and improved roads and entrances to ensure security and comfort of access to other cities. 

• Al Qu’ah

The indispensable concern of the residents of Al Qu’ah is the absence of a full-fledged 24-hour hospital. Aryam Al Derai, a resident, emphasized that there are high delivery costs for crucial provisions and problems accessing basic amenities and services. There is a need for national delivery companies to offer subsidized prices across areas.

• Al Silaa

Al Silaa faces a similar and substantial issue of a lack of healthcare facilities and transportation, which lacks connectivity and hinders development.

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Government Efforts and the Future of the UAE Villages Project

Maryam Al Alawi, Head of Community Communication at Al Maqam Municipality, corroborated that the municipality consistently checks upon residents through communal visits, routine check-ups, neighborhood councils, and social media.

The observations are then sent to the authorities, including partners such as Al Ain Distribution Company, the Health Authority, the Housing Authority, and the Waste Management Centre ( Tadweer), for the development of yearly plans. Al Alawi further pointed out that there are initiatives such as parks and walkways, healthcare clinics, construction of mosques and schools, and community markets. All these steps are a part of the UAE Villages Project.

The UAE Villages Project is a testament to the national model of the country’s vision for a balanced and secure future, blending urban development with the conservation of cultural heritage.

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