Nairobi: Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Bahrain's Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, led the Kingdom of Bahrain's delegation at the UN-Habitat General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 29 to 30. Minister Al Rumaihi emphasized Bahrain's dedication to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on Goal 11, which advocates for sustainable cities and communities.
According to Bahrain News Agency, during a high-level dialogue on "Adequate Housing for All," Minister Al Rumaihi highlighted the Kingdom's significant housing initiatives. These initiatives are driven by royal directives to provide 90,000 housing units, with 40,000 already delivered and 50,000 currently underway. The focus is on sustainability, financing diversity, and public-private partnerships.
The minister announced the launch of Tas'heel+, a new government-backed financing product. This is part of a broader strategy that includes programs like Bayti, off-plan sales, and land development rights, all aimed at expanding housing options and accelerating project delivery.
Al Rumaihi noted that collaboration with the private sector has resulted in a 17% reduction in waiting times from 2022 to 2024 and has attracted over BHD 1.8 billion in direct investment. This investment has had positive effects across more than 50 economic sectors.
The minister also highlighted Bahrain's urban planning achievements, which include the development of 96 previously unplanned areas covering 84 km², along with legislative reforms to improve housing eligibility and streamline urban development regulations.
Al Rumaihi affirmed that Bahrain's housing strategy, anchored in strong leadership and innovation, positions the Kingdom as a regional model for sustainable and inclusive urban development.