Kuwait city: Fatima Ibrahim Al Mannai, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, participated in the second Gulf Housing Conference held in Kuwait on September 3-4. This participation aligns with the decision made during the 23rd GCC housing ministers' meeting last May.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Mannai emphasized Bahrain's commitment to strengthening cooperation with GCC countries to improve housing services through modern solutions aligned with sustainable development goals. She highlighted social housing as a national priority consistent with the government's programme objectives.
During a panel session for senior GCC housing officials, Al Mannai discussed the Ministry's efforts to implement Royal directives aimed at accelerating housing projects and delivering 50,000 new units. She reviewed plans to diversify Bahrain's real estate stock to provide suitable housing for citizens and enhance partnerships with the private sector.
Al Mannai shared that the Ministry has launched several programmes and initiatives to boost cooperation with the private sector, improve housing services, and expedite citizens' access to adequate housing. She referenced programmes unveiled at the Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition last April.
The Ministry's latest housing programmes include the Tamouh (Ambition) programme, the Off-plan Sales Programme for beneficiaries of the Government Land Rights Development Programme, and the Private Land Rights Development Programme. Al Mannai also announced the launch of the second edition of the Baity Real Estate Platform, with enhanced services, and the introduction of Tas'heel+ financing.
Al Mannai explained that Tas'heel+ complements existing financing options such as Tas'heel, Mazaya, and a newly introduced Mazaya category, offering citizens immediate access to housing finance. The ongoing development of housing programmes in partnership with the private sector reflects efforts to provide innovative solutions for securing suitable housing.
She noted that the Ministry, in cooperation with government entities, is working on the Muharraq City Development Plan to preserve historical and cultural identity while providing housing for Bahraini families returning to the city. The project's first phase includes building and renovating 300 units, with plans to expand to 2,000 units in future phases in partnership with the private sector.