Assessment of Public–Private Partnership Models for Housing Delivery in the UAE

This study examines the role of public-private partnerships (PPP) as one of the potential solutions for financing and developing affordable housing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It also aims to identify the risks associated with such partnerships and how they are shared and allocated among the parties within the partnership. The research is based on a case study of the partnership models in housing finance implemented by the Directorate of Housing (DH) in Sharjah and the Mohamed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE) in Dubai. Preliminary data was collected using semi-structured interviews with representatives of relevant housing authorities and the banking sector. Other methods include a review of documents and published resources. The paper concludes that the partnership model in financing alone is insufficient to provide an adequate supply of affordable housing, and risks should be reallocated in a more efficient and more appropriate manner.