SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT - UAE Interact

224U N I T E D A R A B E M I R AT E S Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 8An example of a ‘Fareej’ – thesmallest unit of an Emiraticommunity as conceivedunder the Abu Dhabi UrbanStructure Framework Plan –shows a group of homesclustered around a centralcourtyard. This pattern isbased on the traditionalorganisation of Emiratisettlements and reflects thevery high importance of familyrelationships.Fareejs grouped together in‘Local Clusters’ around acentral park complex, with akindergarten, outdoor playarea and local mosque.Local clusters are grouped into‘Neighbourhoods’, supportingtwo primary schools, a Fridaymosque, a park, and awomen’s centre, as well aslocal shops and higherdensity housing.al-Qaiwain Humanitarian Services City, the HandicappedGuardians Association, and Taryam Omran Establishment forCultural and Humanitarian Services. Many of these groups dosterling work with the disabled.HOUSINGAccess to modern comfortable housing is considered to be theright of every citizen. The rapid rise in population coupled withthe demands of modern living has necessitated Governmentintervention at federal and emirate level to ensure that the housingneeds of nationals are met throughout the federation in a balancedand sustainable manner. In this context, the Ministry of PublicWorks is drafting a national housing plan that will outline the keyfocus areas for development in its 2008/2010 strategy. Thenational housing plan includes the construction of new cities to