Bahrain Housing Model Gains Global Attention

TDT | Manama

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Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning showcased the Kingdom of Bahrain’s experience in developing housing solutions and urban planning during the 13th edition of the World Urban Forum, which brought together experts, decision-makers and international institutions specialising in urban development and sustainable housing.

Ahmed Kamel Ahmed Al Sharaf, Director of Developer Affairs Relations at the ministry, presented Bahrain’s Government Land Development Programme (GLDP) during a session organised by the Gulf Cooperation Council Secretariat General. He highlighted the programme’s role in strengthening partnerships with the private sector to accelerate housing delivery through the development of government-owned land.

He noted that seven projects are being launched to provide more than 4,000 housing units between 2024 and 2027. He also announced the completion of the “Suhail” project in Al Lawzi, “Hay Al Naseem” in Salman City, and “Al Wadi” in Al Buhair, in addition to launching reservations for “Danat Sanad” units in the Southern Governorate through the off-plan sales programme. Three additional projects are currently under implementation in Salman City.

During another panel discussion titled “Innovating the Housing Market,” Al Sharaf highlighted Bahrain’s efforts to integrate urban planning with sustainable financing solutions. He explained the role of urban planning in aligning land use with the actual needs of the real estate market to support the development of more sustainable and inclusive cities.

The session also reviewed Bahrain’s off-plan sales programme for beneficiaries of the Government Land Development Rights Programme and the Private Land Development Rights Programme, which aims to provide citizens with wider housing choices and allow them to reserve units early through approved and transparent plans while benefiting from financing and procedural facilities.

Meanwhile, Amina Majed, Head of Institutional Excellence and Innovation at the ministry, presented a workshop titled “From Policy to Practice: Delivering Housing Solutions,” where Bahrain showcased its housing experience alongside 29 countries selected from more than 800 submitted programmes and initiatives.

She reviewed the evolution of Bahrain’s housing policies and the foundations of its housing finance programmes and newly introduced services. She noted that more than 21,000 Bahraini families have benefited from financing programmes such as “Tasheel,” “Tasheel+,” “Mazaya,” and “Mazaya for the Newly Introduced Category.” These programmes helped reduce waiting lists and injected more than BD1.9 billion into the economy.

On the sidelines of the forum, the ministry also showcased the “Khalifa City Master Plan” and “Evolution of Housing Policy in Bahrain” on the digital Best Practices Platform of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Both projects received praise and attention from participating delegations as advanced examples in urban planning and housing policy development.