Bahrain Participates in 2nd Gulf Housing Conference in Kuwait

Fatima Ibrahim Al-Munai, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, represented Bahrain at the 2nd Gulf Housing Conference held in Kuwait on September 3–4. The conference follows the decision made at the 23rd meeting of GCC Ministers Responsible for Housing in May.

Al-Munai highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with GCC countries to enhance housing services by providing modern and innovative solutions aligned with sustainable development goals. She emphasized that social housing remains a key priority under the government’s strategic plans.

During the high-level dialogue session titled “Sustainable Housing Models in the GCC”, Al-Munai outlined the ministry’s efforts to implement royal directives aimed at accelerating housing projects, including the delivery of 50,000 new housing units. She also discussed plans to diversify and expand the kingdom’s housing stock, ensuring adequate and suitable housing for citizens while fostering private sector partnerships.

Al-Munai noted that the ministry has launched several programs and initiatives in collaboration with the private sector to improve housing services and speed up access to suitable homes. She highlighted programs introduced during the Social Housing Innovation Conference held in April, including:

• “Tamouh” Program

• Off-Plan Sale Program for beneficiaries of government land development projects

• Private Land Development Rights Program

• Launch of the second version of the “Bayti” Real Estate Platform with new features

• Introduction of “Tashil+” financing, complementing existing options for immediate housing access

These initiatives aim to provide innovative and rapid solutions to meet citizens’ housing needs.

In addition, Al-Munai confirmed that the ministry, in partnership with several government entities, is implementing the Muharraq Development Project to preserve the city’s historical and cultural identity. The project includes 300 newly built and restored units in its first phase, with plans to expand to 2,000 units in future projects in partnership with the private sector, catering to Bahraini families planning to return to Muharraq.