The first step to affordable housing is unlocking land supply by releasing government land or providing incentives to developers. Affordable housing has again made headlines this year. In March, a new policy was approved to provide housing for low-income groups and renovate some old areas in Dubai. In August, the Abu Dhabi municipality announced an initiative targeting fixed-income groups to meet their residential needs. Murabaha Mubarak Al Murar, acting general manager of Abu Dhabi City Municipality, said the initiative aims to provide proper and legal residential options for low-income individuals while creating an investment opportunity for property owners. It’s also clear that there is sustained demand for affordable housing in the UAE. Apartments in districts that command lower rents are providing good yields compared with well-known luxury areas. Property consultancy Cavendish Maxwell says that yields in International City are around 9 percent and in Discovery Gardens it is 8.85 percent. Mid-tier housing in places such as International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), Barsha Heights, Jumeirah Village Circle, and Dubailand offers yields of 8 percent and above.