Bahrain highlights new housing model at Urban October conference in Oman

Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, highlighted Bahrain’s shift towards a more diverse and flexible housing system during her participation in the Urban October conference in Oman.

The conference was attended by Dr. Khalfan bin Saeed Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning of Oman.

Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi outlined Bahrain’s efforts to expand housing options, increase supply and strengthen partnerships with private-sector developers and financial institutions to provide suitable homes for Bahraini families.

She said the Kingdom’s housing model has evolved from a system primarily focused on government-built units towards a broader approach offering citizens access to housing through development projects, financing programmes and private-sector initiatives.

Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi highlighted the implementation of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s directive to accelerate housing projects and provide 50,000 housing units, noting the growing role of the private sector in achieving this national objective.

She also highlighted the Government Land Development Rights Programme, which enables private developers to develop state-owned land into integrated housing projects, as well as the Private Land Development Rights Programme, which encourages landowners and developers to contribute private land to housing development.

The Minister stressed that housing finance remains a key component of Bahrain’s approach, with government support and partnerships with banks and developers providing citizens with flexible options suited to their needs and financial capacity.

Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi also highlighted recent GCC housing initiatives, including Bahrain’s hosting of the fourth GCC Housing Week and the second Innovation Summit in the Social Housing Sector 2026.

She said the discussions underscored the importance of increasing housing supply, using data and artificial intelligence responsibly, and integrating housing development with infrastructure, transport, public services and facilities to create sustainable communities.

Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi affirmed that continued innovation, cooperation and exchange of expertise among GCC countries are essential to addressing current and future housing needs and ensuring access to suitable and sustainable homes.