The funds will be used for building roads networks, new housing communities, drainage schemes and other infrastructure-related projects.

The Ministry of Public Works, led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan, has also been ordered to conduct a study to determine the infrastructure requirements of the Northern Emirates and which projects could be funded by the federal government.

A raft of major real estate projects are planned for the Northern Emirates. Together they will more than double the current population.