Muscat: Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, participated in the opening of the Urban Planning, Housing, and Construction Exhibition and Conference in Muscat, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman. The event gathered government officials, experts, developers, and financial institutions from across the GCC to exchange expertise, showcase housing and urban planning practices, explore investment opportunities, and strengthen partnerships.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Minister Al Rumaihi emphasized that Bahrain's housing and urban development plans are rooted in sustainability and aimed at supporting the Kingdom's comprehensive development. She highlighted that these plans are designed to provide decent living standards for Bahraini citizens and promote projects and initiatives where the private sector plays a key role.
Al Rumaihi stated that Bahrain's social housing sector has become an integrated system involving both government and private entities. She noted that successful partnerships in recent years have delivered thousands of housing services for Bahraini families through traditional housing projects and financing schemes. She cited the Government Land Development Rights Programme as a significant initiative that has enhanced collaboration with the private sector.
The minister mentioned that the involvement of banks, commercial institutions, and real estate companies has diversified housing options and facilitated quicker access to housing for citizens. This involvement has also supported growth in related economic sectors.
Al Rumaihi pointed out that the urban planning and development sector has witnessed significant progress, with the completion of 96 detailed development plans covering 10% of Bahrain's total area. The government continues to update regulations in this vital sector, contributing to social and economic development, supporting housing projects, and opening opportunities for urban regeneration across the Kingdom.
During a ministerial session titled "Sustainable Housing Models in GCC Countries," Al Rumaihi discussed Bahrain's experience in diversifying housing options through private sector partnerships. She also outlined the government's vision for urban area development, including projects like the Muharraq City Development Project and the Manama Souq Heritage District Project.
The minister highlighted that since 2014, the partnership approach with the private sector has expanded housing services, resulting in over 27,000 housing units, along with the traditional construction of Bahrain's five housing cities.
She added that the housing finance programme has provided more than 21,000 housing loans, enabling Bahraini families to access homes without waiting periods. These achievements reflect citizens' growing confidence in diverse financing options and flexible repayment schemes.
Al Rumaihi noted that partnerships with real estate developers have directly yielded more than 6,000 social housing units, including over 3,000 units in the Deerat Al Oyoun project, and more than 2,500 units in Salman City and Al Lawzi. She also mentioned completed projects under the Government Land Development Rights Programme, such as Suheil in Al Lawzi, Al Naseem in Salman City, Al Wadi in Al Buhair, and Hoora Sanad in the Southern Governorate, alongside projects by Eskan Bank.
She stated that private sector companies continue to expand the housing supply by developing new projects supporting government financing programmes. The partnership is set to grow with plans to develop over 3,000 new housing units in Khalifa City and additional projects to meet increasing demand.
Al Rumaihi highlighted the government's development of five major housing cities - Salman City, Khalifa City, East Hidd Housing City, Sitra Housing City, and Ramli Housing District - which have provided homes for thousands of Bahraini families. These cities were planned according to modern urban design standards, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities.
The minister emphasized urban planning's role in attracting investment and supporting economic growth. The Urban Planning and Development Authority continues to implement policies aligned with Bahrain's National Strategic Master Plan 2030, ensuring sustainable urban growth and development meeting city sustainability standards.
She also noted Bahrain's focus on urban regeneration projects preserving cultural heritage and identity, referencing the royal directives on redeveloping historic Muharraq City and the Manama Souq Heritage District, both of which have progressed significantly in their initial phases.
Al Rumaihi concluded by asserting that Bahrain's participation in the conference reflects its commitment to sharing experiences with GCC countries and learning from international best practices in housing and urban planning, offering valuable opportunities to strengthen cooperation and develop joint visions for sustainable and prosperous cities.