Manama: Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, received several housing officials from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and chief executives of real estate development firms participating in the Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting took place in the presence of Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah highlighted the significance of fostering collaboration and exchanging expertise between the public and private sectors to advance innovative housing solutions. He emphasized that such cooperation supports efforts to accelerate housing service delivery, improve resource efficiency, and integrate modern construction and planning technologies.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah further stated that a participatory approach built on dialogue and knowledge exchange between stakeholders in both sectors enhances their ability to address demographic developments and respond to social housing needs according to the highest international standards. He expressed appreciation for the valuable contributions of the participating delegations, noting that their presence reflected a shared commitment to advancing housing policies that meet the aspirations of citizens. He wished the conference success in producing practical recommendations that could be translated into initiatives benefiting the Kingdom and the region.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah also commended the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for forging effective partnerships with local, regional, and international private sector entities. He pointed out the memoranda of understanding signed under the Government Land Development Rights Programme as a significant step towards expanding cooperation in housing initiatives.
On their part, the participants conveyed their gratitude to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for patronising the event and expressed their appreciation for the Deputy Prime Minister's attendance at the opening ceremony, underscoring the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to housing development. They also praised the conference's organisation and the opportunities it provided for dialogue and engagement among policymakers, experts, and practitioners from Bahrain and abroad, wishing the Kingdom continued prosperity and growth.