Baku: Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, conducted a series of bilateral meetings with key figures on the sidelines of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), currently being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 17 to 22.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the discussions centered on enhancing cooperation, exchanging expertise, and exploring innovative housing programs in social housing and urban planning. Minister Al Rumaihi engaged with several prominent officials, including Majed bin Abdullah Al Hogail, Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing, and Dr. Khalfan bin Saeed bin Mubarak Al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning of the Sultanate of Oman. Meetings were also held with Randa Al Manshawy, Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities of Egypt, Mohammed Al Mansoori, an Undersecretary at the UAE's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and Anacl¡udia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat.
The discussions focused on sustainable urban planning and housing service development, emphasizing the importance of advancing national housing policies. Key themes from the forum were explored, aiming to support efforts to achieve the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The talks also addressed real estate sector regulation and the role of the private sector in housing through joint projects and finance solutions.
Minister Al Rumaihi shared initiatives from Bahrain's Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, aimed at accelerating housing projects to deliver 50,000 housing units as per royal directives. She highlighted partnerships with the private sector and diversified finance options in collaboration with Eskan Bank. The minister also discussed Bahrain's urban development projects, such as the Muharraq City Development Plan and the Manama Souq development project, which focus on historical and cultural area enhancement.
The meetings further explored international best practices for urban growth challenges and infrastructure development.