Emiratis Can Receive Up to AED 350,000 for Home Dam­age Under New Cabinet Rules

UAE citizens receiving social support can now apply for financial assistance if their homes are damaged during certain crises or disasters.

A new UAE Cabinet resolution has introduced financial support of up to AED 350,000 for eligible Emirati families whose homes are damaged in a qualifying crisis or disaster. The new rules came into effect on August 15, 2026, under Cabinet Resolution No. 135 of 2026, replacing the previous disaster-relief framework from 2008.

Who Can Apply for this Social Support in the UAE?

The financial support is available to UAE nationals (Emiratis). You must be a permanent resident who is already receiving federal or local government social support. Furthermore, the damaged property must be located in the UAE.

To get this benefit, you must also submit an official damage report issued by the relevant emergency, civil defence, or government authority. For rented properties, the assistance is limited to the tenant’s verified losses to their own property and belongings.

The payment is generally made in the name of the affected homeowner or eligible beneficiary.

What’s the Scope of Assistance?

This scheme covers damage to the home and contents, such as furniture, fittings, and domestic electric appliances. However, AED 350,000 is the maximum amount set by the government. The actual financial assistance depends on the official assessment.

Furthermore, it doesn’t cover the damage to the following items, such as:

• Vehicle (car, boat and more)
• Cash
• Business or professional assets
• Jewellery and antiques
• Animals and crops
• Swimming pools

You may also not get assistance if the damage results from negligence, default, trespassing, or intentional acts.

New Crisis Aid Rule Process and Conditions

Eligible families must submit their application to the Ministry of Community Empowerment within 30 days of the crisis or disaster.

Once you submit a complete application, the Ministry has to decide within 7 working days. If you do not receive a response within this period, it means the Ministry has rejected your application.

While applying for this benefit, you need to submit the following documents:

• Valid Emirates ID
• Passport copy
• Official title deed
• Ejari tenancy contract
• Municipal assessment report
• Evidence of damage (photographs or videos)
• Estimated repair cost

What if the Emirati Family Has Already Received Compensation?

Families may still receive support if another UAE entity has already compensated them for the same damage, but they must disclose the earlier payment.

If the amount received is lower than the support assessed under the new rules, the Ministry may cover the difference. Applicants need to file a grievance within 15 days of receiving the notice. In such cases, the relevant committee has to make the final decision within 30 days.

What About Home Insurance in the UAE?

Wondering why you still need home insurance even with the new government assistance? Understand that this financial aid is only for Emiratis. So if you are an expat homeowner, you won’t have this type of government support.

Another important point is that government-supported coverage is capped at AED 350,000. So if your losses are higher, you’ll pay a big chunk out of your own pocket.

With home insurance in the UAE, however, you can get comprehensive coverage for your home. The right policy covers your losses due to fire, theft, burglary, floods, storms, and other accidental damage.

If you have house insurance in the UAE, check your policy and inform your insurer if your property is damaged during a covered event.