News

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has renewed its cooperation agreement with Batelco, part of Beyon, for the second consecutive year to continue providing exclusive offers and benefits to citizens benefiting from housing services. These include telecommunications services, internet packages, and electronic devices. The renewal builds on the existing cooperation between the two parties and the positive outcomes achieved under the previous agreement in providing additional services to beneficiaries, as part of efforts to strengthen private sector partnerships and enhance the quality of services provided to citizens.The agreement was signed by Ms. Fatima Ibrahim Al Mannai, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, and Ms. Aseel Mattar, Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Division at Batelco, in the presence of several officials from both sides.Under the agreement, eligible citizens can receive shopping vouchers, with their value determined by the selected internet package. The vouchers can be used to purchase a wide range of devices and products offered by Batelco, including televisions, home appliances, smart home solutions, laptops, and other available products.The agreement will provide exclusive offers to citizens benefiting from various housing services, including shopping vouchers worth up to BHD 100 upon subscribing to the company's fibre-optic internet service.On this occasion, Ms. Fatima Ibrahim Al Mannai, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, affirmed that renewing the agreement for the second consecutive year reflects the success of the existing partnership with Batelco in achieving its intended objectives. She highlighted both parties' commitment to continuing and further developing their cooperation to deliver added value to citizens benefiting from housing services.She noted that the Ministry places great importance on expanding cooperation with private sector institutions and leveraging their capabilities and expertise to provide additional services and benefits that help meet citizens' needs and enhance the quality of life in residential communities.For her part, Ms. Aseel Mattar, Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Division at Batelco, expressed the company's pride in renewing its partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for the second consecutive year. She affirmed that the continuation of this cooperation reflects the success of the previous initiative and the shared commitment to enhancing services provided to beneficiaries of housing projects and programmes through advanced telecommunications solutions and competitive offers tailored to their needs.She added that the partnership builds on the fruitful cooperation between the two parties and successful experiences across several housing cities and projects. This reflects Batelco's commitment to its corporate social responsibility and its dedication to supporting national initiatives that contribute to improving quality of life and providing citizens with high-quality technological services and solutions.Through this offer, Batelco aims to enhance the value provided to citizens benefiting from housing services, reflecting the company's commitment to supporting initiatives that meet citizens' needs and improve their experience during the transition to their new homes.

Her Excellency Ms. Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, received Mr. Khaled El Mekwad, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Dr. Ayman El Hefnawy, Head of the Country Programme and Representative of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen joint cooperation in the fields of housing, urban planning, and sustainable urban development.During the meeting, H.E. Minister Al Rumaihi reviewed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s efforts to develop housing plans and programmes aimed at providing housing for citizens through the adoption of innovative housing initiatives and the diversification of financing options. These efforts seek to meet citizens’ evolving needs, contribute to achieving the development objectives of the housing sector, and enhance the sustainability of urban development.Her Excellency also discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations system, particularly UN-Habitat, in the development of housing policies and urban planning, in support of joint efforts to develop sustainable urban communities.In a related context, H.E. the Minister reviewed the key outcomes of the 2026 Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition, recently hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain as part of the Fourth GCC Housing Week. She highlighted the event’s achievements in strengthening partnerships and facilitating the exchange of expertise and experiences at the regional and international levels, as well as showcasing innovative initiatives to further develop the social housing system and enhance the role of partnership with the private sector.For his part, Mr. Khaled El Mekwad, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, commended the efforts of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to develop the housing services system and diversify the options available to citizens. He also praised the innovative initiatives and programmes being implemented in the Kingdom that contribute to supporting sustainable urban development.He further highlighted the success of the 2026 Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition and its role in providing a platform for exchanging expertise and showcasing leading experiences and innovative solutions, thereby contributing to enhanced cooperation and the development of housing policies and programmes.Dr. Ayman El Hefnawy, Head of the Country Programme and UN-Habitat Representative in the GCC countries, reviewed the key pillars of the programme’s strategic plan for the coming period, which focuses on enhancing access to housing, advancing integrated urban planning, supporting effective governance, and mobilising the resources required to achieve sustainable urban development.He stressed the importance of continuing coordination and cooperation with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in a manner that contributes to developing areas of joint work, supporting efforts to achieve sustainable urban development, and providing diverse housing options that meet the needs of communities.

Her Excellency Ms. Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Eskan Bank, and Mr. Abdullah Taleb, General Manager of Eskan Bank, participated in "Tree Week" activities by planting a number of trees at Eskan Bank's Northern Waterfront Project in Salman City. The initiative supports the National Action Plan for Carbon Neutrality announced by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain.On this occasion, H.E. Ms. Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi highlighted the importance of "Tree Week", launched by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in supporting national efforts to expand green spaces and promote a culture of tree planting. She emphasised the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning's commitment to continuing its contribution to these efforts by prioritising afforestation and green spaces within housing cities and projects, thereby supporting the objectives of the National Afforestation Plan and strengthening the integration of environmental considerations into urban development.Her Excellency explained that green spaces are among the key components the Ministry considers when planning and developing residential communities, alongside infrastructure, facilities, and services. This approach contributes to creating integrated residential environments that take urban, environmental, and social dimensions into account.She added that the Ministry's efforts include developing green spaces and open areas and ensuring their integration with community facilities and services across housing cities and projects. She reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to adopting practices that achieve a balance between urban development requirements and the preservation of the environment and natural resources.Her Excellency noted that the Ministry's participation in "Tree Week" activities supports the objectives of the National Afforestation Plan, which aims to double the number of trees in the Kingdom of Bahrain to 3.6 million by 2035. She stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among government entities, private sector organisations, and civil society institutions in sustaining tree-planting initiatives and expanding green spaces.For his part, Mr. Abdullah Taleb, General Manager of Eskan Bank, affirmed that the Bank's participation in "Tree Week" reflects its continued commitment to contributing to environmental initiatives associated with the projects it develops. He noted that planting trees at the Northern Waterfront Project in Salman City demonstrates the importance placed on integrating green spaces into the project's components and surrounding urban environment.He further highlighted Eskan Bank's continued cooperation with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and relevant entities in supporting initiatives that incorporate environmental considerations into development projects, contributing to the expansion and long-term sustainability of green spaces.

Her Excellency Ms. Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, received His Excellency Mr. Jassim Ibrahim Al-Najem, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Kingdom of Bahrain, on the occasion of assuming his diplomatic duties in the Kingdom.During the meeting, Her Excellency the Minister welcomed the Kuwaiti Ambassador, praising the deep-rooted fraternal and historical relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait, and the continued progress and development witnessed across various fields, under the care and attention of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and his brother, His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, may God protect and preserve them both.Her Excellency the Minister also extended her best wishes to the Kuwaiti Ambassador for success in carrying out his diplomatic duties, contributing to the continued strengthening of fraternal relations and the expansion of opportunities for joint cooperation across various fields.During the meeting, a number of topics of mutual interest were discussed, and ways to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise in relevant fields were reviewed, in a manner that serves the shared interests of the two brotherly countries.For his part, His Excellency Mr. Jassim Ibrahim Al-Najem, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Kingdom of Bahrain, expressed his thanks and appreciation to Her Excellency the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning for the warm reception, affirming his country's keenness to continue strengthening bilateral relations and joint cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

Her Excellency Ms. Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, received His Excellency Mr. Abdelmadjid Amini, Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Kingdom of Bahrain.During the meeting, Her Excellency the Minister welcomed the Algerian Ambassador and wished him success in carrying out his diplomatic duties.The meeting also discussed a number of topics of mutual interest.For his part, His Excellency Mr. Abdelmadjid Amini, Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Kingdom of Bahrain, expressed his thanks and appreciation to Her Excellency the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, wishing the Kingdom of Bahrain continued progress and prosperity.

Her Excellency Mrs. Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, affirmed that Bahraini engineering professionals continue to make significant contributions to the Kingdom of Bahrain's ongoing development and construction efforts, under the comprehensive development process led by 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. These contributions are reflected in translating national visions and plans into projects that support urban development and provide sustainable urban and residential environments that meet present needs and respond to future aspirations.Her Excellency made the remarks on the occasion of Bahraini Engineer's Day, observed annually on October 15. She extended her congratulations to all Bahraini male and female engineers across various workplaces, commending their dedication, expertise and professional capabilities, which have contributed to advancing the Kingdom's development.Minister Al Rumaihi noted that the housing and urban planning sectors are among those most closely connected to engineering across its various disciplines, from planning and design to project management, implementation and supervision, as well as the development of urban infrastructure, facilities and services. She affirmed that Bahraini engineers at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and the Urban Planning and Development Authority have demonstrated high levels of competence in these areas and contributed to developing engineering models and practices that keep pace with rapid changes in the housing and urban development sectors.She added that the current phase of housing development, which focuses on implementing His Majesty the King's directives to accelerate housing projects to provide 50,000 new housing units, further highlights the importance of national engineering expertise in transforming plans and strategic directions into tangible projects and solutions. This comes as the housing sector expands partnerships with the private sector, diversifies project delivery approaches and develops cities and residential communities according to more flexible and sustainable standards. These efforts reflect the integration of work between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and the Urban Planning and Development Authority in supporting sustainable urban development.Minister Al Rumaihi affirmed that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and the Urban Planning and Development Authority attach great importance to engineering innovation as a key enabler of continued progress in the housing and urban planning sectors. This includes adopting more efficient approaches to project planning, design and implementation, leveraging modern technologies and digital solutions, and developing urban models that optimise land and resource utilisation, thereby enhancing project efficiency and improving the quality of residential and urban environments.She praised the efforts of engineers working at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and the Urban Planning and Development Authority, highlighting their contributions to the various projects, programmes and initiatives implemented by both entities. She reaffirmed their commitment to continuing investment in developing national engineering talent, providing opportunities to gain experience, adopt modern practices and participate in formulating solutions and initiatives that support urban and housing development objectives.In conclusion, Her Excellency the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning emphasised that the competence, expertise and innovative capabilities of Bahraini engineers are a source of national pride. She wished all Bahraini engineers continued success in fulfilling their national role in building the Kingdom's present and shaping its future, while contributing to sustainable urban development that preserves Bahraini identity and meets the aspirations of future generations.