Manama: Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa inaugurated the Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition. The event, themed "Towards Innovative and Sustainable Housing Solutions," is being held from April 23 to 25 at the Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB).
According to Bahrain News Agency, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah highlighted that social housing is a top national development priority in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He noted that this sector receives continuous support under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who has directed efforts to deliver 50,000 new housing units and improve public services, enhancing the advancement of the Kingdom and family wellbeing.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah stated that under the leadership of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the government has launched new financing programmes aimed at providing prompt housing services tailored to citizens' needs. These efforts align with government priorities for the 2023-2026 programme. He also mentioned the expansion of projects under the Government Land Development Rights Programme, implemented in partnership with the private sector.
The Deputy Prime Minister commended the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and Eskan Bank for organising the conference. He noted that the event serves as a platform for stakeholders from both Bahrain and abroad to discuss the current state of social housing, its challenges, and opportunities for development. He also acknowledged the participation of government entities, real estate companies, and commercial banks in the exhibition, reflecting their commitment to providing swift access to suitable housing projects for citizens.
During the opening ceremony, memorandums of understanding were signed between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and several real estate firms to implement projects under the Government Land Development Rights Programme. The Deputy Prime Minister concluded the ceremony by honouring the companies supporting the conference and inaugurating the exhibition.
Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for his support of the social housing sector. She underscored the Ministry's commitment to fulfilling His Majesty's vision by accelerating housing projects. She also thanked HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for supporting the conference and exhibition, which aligns with the directives to promote awareness of housing finance programmes.
Minister Al Rumaihi highlighted that the conference is timely as the Ministry and Eskan Bank implement the royal directive to expedite housing projects through the "Tas'heel+" financing programme. She invited citizens to visit the exhibition to explore housing projects and financing offers, part of the Ministry's commitment to informing citizens about available housing options.