Manama: Fatima Ibrahim Al Mannai, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, chaired the 42nd meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials responsible for housing affairs in the GCC countries, held via videoconference.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Undersecretary Al Mannai emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen Gulf cooperation and coordination in housing. She highlighted the need to build on joint efforts and initiatives to develop housing policies, programs, and solutions. Al Mannai stressed the significance of supporting integration and the exchange of expertise and successful experiences among GCC countries.
She reiterated Bahrain's commitment to supporting Gulf efforts to enhance the housing system and improve the efficiency and quality of housing services. Al Mannai also underscored the importance of using modern technologies and digital transformation to support sustainable housing services and adapt to economic, social, and urban changes.
During the meeting, Al Mannai emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships with the private sector and financing institutions. This would help in developing a range of housing options and solutions and expand access to financing programs, providing citizens with more options tailored to their needs.
The meeting covered several agenda items, including the unified rules for owners of jointly owned properties in GCC countries, the Joint Gulf Housing Action Plan for 2024-2030, and housing information databases. Discussions also included the GCC Housing Award, preparations for the fourth GCC Housing Week, and events such as the Innovation Conference in the Social Housing Sector and the GCC Hackathon. Conferences, specialized housing workshops, and strategies to highlight GCC housing initiatives at regional and international forums were also deliberated.