Abstract
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a multiracial society with diverse housing and a potential real estate market. This study focused on users’ perceptions of the designs of available and affordable private housing stock in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, which are the most populated states (emirates) of the UAE. A literature review and case studies of low- to medium-rise residential buildings were used to determine the parameters defining affordable housing design, and a model was developed of 7 design segments (independent variables) with 39 dependent variables. The model consists of a matrix of 39 design variables, in which each variable is set in a survey tool with a Likert scale to evaluate user satisfaction levels with the designs of their respective buildings. Questionnaires were distributed among the inhabitants of several buildings at different locations in the emirates. This study found that 16 anomalous design factors failed to satisfy users. It is likely that the results of this study will provide a blueprint for dialogue between regional building designers and end users to improve the designs of new buildings. The resulting design assessment matrix can be used for the analysis of residential buildings in other parts of the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
Highlights
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an important member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Dubai is a major city in the UAE and defines standards and trends for economic growth
Affordability is a term for affordable housing or social housing introduced to define the type of housing intended for less well-off sections of the population [5,6]
Summary
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an important member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It is a unique country because of its multinational, harmonious culture. The concept of affordable housing is defined as basic houses for economically weaker sectors, or homes at affordable prices for low-income groups [8]. The USA Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has provided a comprehensive definition of affordable housing. It defines an “affordable dwelling” as a house rented, or mortgaged, for 25–30% of the resident’s monthly income [9]
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