Manama:Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning of Bahrain, took part in the Urban October conference held in Oman. The event also saw the attendance of Dr. Khalfan bin Saeed Al Shuaili, Oman’s Minister of Housing and Urban Planning.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Minister Al Rumaihi discussed Bahrain's approach to housing development, which includes diversifying housing options and strengthening partnerships with the private and banking sectors. This strategy aims to increase the housing supply and provide suitable housing that aligns with the needs of Bahraini families.
She emphasized Bahrain's commitment to social housing under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The effort seeks to broaden access to various housing options and expand citizens' opportunities to obtain suitable homes through diverse projects and financing programs.
Minister Al Rumaihi highlighted Bahrain's integrated approach to fast-tracking housing projects, including the initiative to provide 50,000 housing units. The strategy involves private sector collaboration, offering flexible housing finance options, and leveraging government support to enhance housing stability.
Key programs such as the Government Land Development Rights Programme and the Private Land Development Rights Programme were noted for their roles in increasing housing supply and encouraging private sector investment. These initiatives aim to accelerate the provision of housing solutions in line with royal directives.
The Minister also discussed recent events hosted by Bahrain, such as the GCC Housing Week and the Innovation Summit in the Social Housing Sector, which focused on transforming the government's role in housing provision and enhancing private sector involvement. Emphasis was placed on data use, technology integration, and creating integrated communities that support quality of life.
Minister Al Rumaihi underscored the importance of innovative solutions and partnerships in addressing housing challenges. She stressed the need for ongoing development of housing policies to ensure access to suitable and sustainable housing for future generations, contributing to overall social stability and quality of life. She concluded by expressing gratitude to Oman for hosting the conference.