General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Monday ordered granting 488 villas for Emiratis in Yas Island. The grant, which comes under the directives of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is part of the housing plan announced by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council during CityScape 2011. During the real estate exhibition, the council signed agreements to build 7,500 new houses for Emiratis in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and the Western Region, which will be carried out by prominent local real estate companies. The grant is in line with fulfilling the requirements and objectives of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. It also reflects the special attention given by Shaikh Khalifa to provide a dignified and stable life for Emiratis and their families, providing suitable housing and conditions for nurturing children in a safe and adequate environment, as well as ensuring economic and social stability which contributes to the country\'s march for comprehensive development, which complements the higher objectives of the UAE\'s leadership. The houses in Yas Island will also be accompanied by social and service utilities, and an integrated infrastructure that will be developed in accordance with the highest quality and sustainability standards. Through the signed agreements and housing initiative, more than 13,000 houses will be inaugurated in various areas of Abu Dhabi. The 488 villas granted in Yas Island are a part of the aforementioned initiative, and the residential compound that makes use of a traditional freej (neighbourhood) design will be the largest residential compound in the island. The freej will also include a grand mosque, school, and spaces for commercial and retail purposes. From / Gulf News