Manama: The Social Housing Innovation Summit concluded in Manama with a set of recommendations focused on enhancing innovation, expanding private sector involvement, and supporting financial and real estate development within the social housing sector.
According to Bahrain News Agency, key recommendations included adopting innovative design approaches for sustainable housing, updating regulations to respond to change, and balancing economic and housing sector growth. Participants also called for better use of geographic environments, improved infrastructure, urban renewal, and sustainable public spaces.
The Summit promoted smart city concepts, eco-friendly materials, green spaces, and international best practices, while emphasising the need to empower the private sector and strengthen banking innovation to support housing finance. Other priorities included understanding citizens' needs, encouraging community participation, using interactive tools for knowledge sharing, improving legislation for partnerships, and treating capacity building as a continuous goal.
Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning and Chairperson of Eskan Bank, described the event as a turning point in Bahrain's housing strategy. She emphasised the Kingdom's commitment to providing suitable housing in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. She called for forward looking thinking and innovative tools to create sustainable housing solutions, noting the need for tailored housing models, targeted financing, and strategic partnerships with banks and developers.
The Summit brought together 34 participating entities, 49 speakers, and 12 panel sessions, and saw the signing of over 30 agreements and memoranda of understanding. Key initiatives launched included the Tas'heel+ service, the second phase of the Bayti platform integrated with eKey 2.0, the Tamooh (Ambitions) vertical housing programme, Off Plan Sales Programme, and the Private Land Development Rights programme to accelerate access to housing and promote urban and economic integration.
The Minister also announced the Innovative Housing Solutions Hackathon to support Bahraini youth in creating sustainable housing solutions aligned with citizen needs.