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Her Excellency Ms. Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to develop its social housing sector through a vision focused on diversifying housing options and solutions, strengthening partnerships with the private and banking sectors, and increasing real estate supply, supporting efforts to provide adequate housing that meets the needs and aspirations of Bahraini families.This came during Her Excellency's official address at the "Urban October" Conference held in the sisterly Sultanate of Oman, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Eng. Khalfan bin Said Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning of the Sultanate of Oman, alongside a number of ministers, senior officials, experts and specialists. During her address, Her Excellency highlighted the Kingdom of Bahrain's experience in developing housing policies and options, and its transition towards a more diversified, flexible and sustainable housing system.Her Excellency emphasised that Bahrain's social housing sector receives considerable attention under the continued patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, supporting the continued development of housing policies and options and expanding citizens' access to housing services.She noted that, in recent years, the Kingdom of Bahrain has worked to transform its housing model from one primarily focused on providing government housing units into a more diversified and flexible system, offering citizens multiple pathways to access adequate housing through housing projects, financing programmes and private sector developments.The Minister of Housing and Urban Planning explained that the Kingdom has adopted integrated approaches to implement His Majesty the King's directive to accelerate housing projects to provide 50,000 housing units. These approaches enhance the housing system's capacity to respond to demand and reinforce private sector partnerships as a fundamental pillar in achieving this national objective.Her Excellency explained that housing financing programmes are at the forefront of these approaches, offering citizens flexible options to obtain adequate housing according to their needs and financial capabilities, in partnership with the banking sector and real estate developers, while maintaining government support to facilitate access to financing and achieve housing stability.She added that this approach is complemented by the Government Land Development Rights Programme, which enables the private sector to contribute to the development of state-owned land into integrated housing projects. This is accompanied by the activation of the Private Land Development Rights Programme, which expands partnerships with landowners and developers and encourages the utilisation of privately owned land for residential developments, thereby increasing real estate supply.Her Excellency affirmed that these approaches form an integrated system that combines enabling citizens to access appropriate financing, increasing the supply of housing units and encouraging private sector investment and development. This contributes to accelerating the provision of housing solutions and fulfilling His Majesty the King's directive to provide 50,000 housing units.She highlighted that partnerships with the private and banking sectors represent one of the most important pillars of the transformation of the housing system. She noted that the government's role has become more comprehensive, encompassing policymaking, land provision, housing support, and the promotion of investment and real estate development, alongside strengthening the private sector's contribution to providing housing solutions.In a related context, the Minister referred to the Kingdom of Bahrain's recent hosting of the Fourth Gulf Housing Week and the second edition of the Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition 2026. She noted that the conference's outcomes emphasised the importance of evolving the government's role from directly providing housing products to leading and enabling the private sector to contribute to diversifying and expanding housing options.She added that the outcomes also highlighted the importance of increasing housing supply, establishing clear governance frameworks for the use of data and artificial intelligence, ensuring the safe and responsible application of modern technologies, and strengthening the integration of housing planning with infrastructure, transportation, services and public facilities to develop integrated, future-ready communities.Her Excellency emphasised that achieving the goal of "Adequate Housing for All" requires policies capable of accommodating the diverse needs and financial capabilities of families while providing multiple financing, ownership and housing tenure options. She noted that housing quality is also closely linked to the quality of the surrounding urban environment and the availability of services, facilities, infrastructure and public spaces, contributing to improved quality of life and greater family and social stability.She further noted that housing challenges underscore the importance of innovation, partnerships and knowledge exchange, highlighting the diverse housing and urban development experiences of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which provide valuable foundations for further progress and development.The Minister of Housing and Urban Planning concluded by reaffirming the importance of continuing to develop housing policies that meet the needs of present and future generations and enhance access to adequate and sustainable housing, recognising it as a foundation for family and social stability and a key component of quality of life. She also renewed her appreciation and gratitude to the sisterly Sultanate of 

Her Excellency Ms. Amna bint Ahmed Alrumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, affirmed that the outcomes of the fourth Gulf Housing Week and the second edition of the Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition 2026 provide a foundation for the continued development of the housing sector and for strengthening the integration of public and private sector roles in providing innovative and sustainable options that place citizens’ needs and quality of life at the heart of planning and decision-making.Her Excellency made the remarks on the occasion of the conclusion of the events, which were held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, from 29 September to 3 October 2026 at Exhibition World Bahrain. The events were organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MOHUP) and Eskan Bank, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council.Her Excellency affirmed that housing and urban development remain a continuous priority as one of the pillars of the Kingdom’s comprehensive development process under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the directives of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. She noted that His Royal Highness’s patronage of the second edition of the Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition 2026 reflects the attention and support accorded to the housing and urban development sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain, given its direct connection to citizens’ stability and quality of life and its role in supporting sustainable economic, social and urban development.Her Excellency expressed pride in the broad Gulf and professional participation witnessed in the Kingdom of Bahrain throughout the events, with the participation of ministers, senior officials, experts and specialists, as well as representatives of the private sector and banking, real estate and academic institutions. The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and expertise and showcase solutions that enhance the housing sector’s ability to meet the aspirations of Gulf citizens.Her Excellency explained that the conference featured more than 20 sessions with over 60 speakers from the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Arab countries and other countries worldwide. The discussions resulted in 14 recommendations aimed at advancing the social housing ecosystem and anticipating its future requirements. She affirmed that the next phase requires a renewed approach based on customised and innovative housing models, smart support systems, targeted financing for different segments, and strategic partnerships with banks, financial institutions and real estate development companies.Her Excellency noted that the recommendations emphasised the importance of redefining the government’s role in the social housing sector, moving from a primary focus on providing housing products towards leading and enabling an integrated ecosystem encompassing planning, regulation, financing, development and services. The recommendations also called for adopting proactive, data-driven planning to anticipate demographic and social shifts and link them to future housing demand, infrastructure and service requirements, and investment priorities.Her Excellency added that the conference recommended developing integrated partnership models between the government, developers, banks and financing institutions, based on clearly defined roles and the integration of planning, financing and implementation, thereby strengthening the ability to increase housing supply. It also recommended expanding the use of modular and industrialised construction technologies to improve project delivery efficiency, shorten completion periods, and enhance quality, productivity and sustainability.Regarding digital transformation, Her Excellency said the recommendations stressed the importance of establishing clear governance frameworks for the use of data and artificial intelligence in the housing sector to support decision-making, improve service efficiency, and ensure the safe and responsible use of modern technologies. They also called for greater integration of systems, data and procedures among relevant entities to reduce duplication, simplify processes and accelerate access to services. She further emphasised the importance of redesigning the beneficiary journey based on a clear understanding of beneficiaries’ needs and expectations, measuring their experiences, and continuously incorporating their feedback into service development.Her Excellency affirmed that the development of residential communities requires integrating housing planning with transport networks, infrastructure, services and facilities to support sustainable mobility, strengthen connectivity between urban components and enhance quality of life. She also highlighted the need to align the design of homes and residential communities with demographic shifts and changing family lifestyles in order to provide solutions that are more adaptable to current and future needs. She further noted the importance of providing affordable housing close to employment opportunities and within mixed-income, mixed-use neighbourhoods to support sustainable livelihoods.Her Excellency explained that the conference outcomes also included strengthening integration between regulation, development and investment in shaping the cities of the future, linking urban planning with investment opportunities and the economic and social value of place, and adopting strategic urban planning and design that anticipate city growth and provide high-density, mixed-use neighbourhoods that enhance accessibility, economic opportunities and social cohesion while limiting unplanned urban sprawl.Her Excellency also highlighted the importance of adopting the concept of “Housing as an Integrated Service” in the development of future programmes and designing housing pathways that take into account citizens’ changing needs throughout different stages of life, providing greater flexibility and a wider range of options. She also emphasised the shift from developing individual housing projects towards building integrated, future-ready communities by connecting housing with urban planning, quality of life and services.With regard to projects and initiatives, Her Excellency affirmed that the conference witnessed the launch of projects aimed at diversifying housing options and increasing the Kingdom’s housing stock. Among the most notable was the signing of the largest partnership agreement with Naseej to provide 2,500 housing units in Khalifa City, marking a new milestone in engaging the private sector in the provision of social housing services for citizens.Her Excellency added that pre-booking was announced for units in the Al Marsa, Al Aseel and Al Sahel projects in Salman City through the off-plan sales programme, in addition to Eskan Bank launching the Danat Askar and Danat Madinat Hamad projects. She affirmed that work will continue to provide additional projects that contribute to implementing the Royal directive of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to accelerate the pace of housing projects and provide 50,000 housing units.Her Excellency noted that the accompanying exhibition featured the participation of more than 40 entities, including banking and financing institutions, real estate development companies and other entities related to the housing sector, in addition to Gulf participants. This created an integrated platform for showcasing housing projects, programmes, housing and financing options, introducing visitors to the latest available opportunities, and reflecting the growing breadth of partnerships among the various stakeholders within the housing ecosystem.Her Excellency added that the conference witnessed the signing of 68 agreements among entities representing the various participating sectors, reflecting the momentum currently seen in the private sector and its growing role in developing housing solutions. She affirmed that these partnerships demonstrate the diversity of options that participating entities seek to provide to citizens in ways that meet their needs and strengthen the integration of the housing ecosystem.As part of efforts to empower youth, Her Excellency affirmed that the launch of the third edition of the Gulf Housing Hackathon, under the theme “Youth Vision for the Housing of the Future,” provided young Bahraini and Gulf talents with an opportunity to explore housing challenges and develop creative and sustainable solutions that reflect citizens’ aspirations and enhance their quality of life. She expressed pride in the projects presented by the participating teams, which demonstrated promising youth perspectives and ideas that can be further developed and built upon, while reflecting contemporary approaches to the planning and construction of housing projects.Her Excellency affirmed her aspiration to build on the cooperation and exchange of expertise achieved during the events and to translate their outcomes into practical workstreams, partnerships and implementable initiatives that contribute to developing housing solutions and enhancing the readiness of cities and communities for future requirements. She also expressed her thanks and appreciation to all partners, sponsors, speakers, experts, participants and working teams for their contributions to the success of the week and the conference.At the conclusion of the events, Her Excellency the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning honoured the working committees, contributing companies and conference sponsors in recognition of their efforts and contributions to the success of the second edition of the Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition 2026. She affirmed that the integration of organisational, technical and media efforts, together with the support provided by partners and sponsors, contributed to presenting the events in a manner that reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain’s standing and its ability to host specialised Gulf and international events.

Her Excellency Ms. Amna bint Ahmed Alrumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, toured the exhibition held alongside the second edition of the 2026 Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition, which is being held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, at Exhibition World Bahrain. The event is organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MOHUP) and Eskan Bank, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as part of the fourth Gulf Housing Week.During the tour, Her Excellency reviewed the projects, financing solutions and services presented by participating banks, real estate companies and other entities to support the provision of housing options for citizens. She also listened to briefings from representatives of the participating entities on the showcased real estate projects, available financing products and how beneficiaries can access them, in addition to ideas and technologies featured at the exhibition to develop homes and improve their efficiency in ways that meet families’ needs and aspirations.On this occasion, Her Excellency affirmed that the patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for the conference and exhibition reflects the importance placed on developing the housing sector and supporting innovative initiatives and solutions that contribute to providing suitable housing for citizens.Her Excellency explained that the Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition serves as a platform for exchanging expertise and showcasing experiences that contribute to the sector’s development. She highlighted the importance of the participation of banks and real estate companies in strengthening integration between financing options and housing projects, while expanding the choices available to citizens.Her Excellency added that MOHUP continues to strengthen its partnership with the private sector as a key partner in providing housing solutions and increasing the supply of projects that meet the needs of beneficiaries of housing finance programmes, thereby supporting the Ministry’s efforts to accelerate citizens’ access to housing.She also highlighted the importance of integrating innovation throughout the various stages of housing project development, from planning and design to construction methods, financing solutions and related services. This contributes to improving housing quality, enhancing resource efficiency and promoting sustainability across residential communities.Her Excellency commended the participation of exhibitors and the diverse projects and services they offer, noting that the exhibition provides an opportunity for direct engagement between citizens and representatives of banks and real estate companies, allowing visitors to explore available options and compare their advantages to help beneficiaries select the housing service best suited to their needs.The conference and exhibition bring together entities involved in the housing sector, experts and specialists, financial institutions and real estate development companies to enhance the exchange of knowledge and expertise and showcase solutions that support the development of the social housing ecosystem and help meet housing needs.

On the sidelines of the Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning launched its enhanced website, reflecting the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to further develop its digital channels and improve the experience of citizens and beneficiaries.On this occasion, Her Excellency Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, affirmed that the launch of the newly designed website comes as part of the Ministry’s continued efforts to develop its digital ecosystem and enhance the quality of electronic services provided to citizens and beneficiaries, in line with the government standards adopted for the design and development of government entities’ websites.Her Excellency explained that the website offers a more accessible and streamlined digital experience for accessing housing services and information through more efficient organisation of content and services. This enables citizens and beneficiaries to access their digital needs more easily and quickly, while enhancing effective communication with the Ministry through its electronic channels.Her Excellency added that the website, which was developed by specialised national professionals, contributes to enhancing the efficiency of the Ministry’s digital infrastructure, strengthening information security and data protection, and supporting integration with government digital platforms and services. This aligns with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s digital transformation journey and supports ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of government services in accordance with international best practices and standards.

Eskan Bank has announced the launch of “Al Saya Greens,” a major mixed-use development in the Kingdom of Bahrain spanning approximately 560,000 square metres in Al Saya, Muharraq Governorate. The project combines residential, commercial and leisure uses within a modern urban vision inspired by the historic Ain Al Saya, one of the area’s prominent heritage landmarks.As a key step towards implementing the project, Eskan Bank also announced the signing of an agreement with Gulf House Engineering, following the company’s successful bid in the public tender to prepare the master plan and detailed infrastructure design for Al Saya Greens. The agreement paves the way for the completion of the design works and the necessary regulatory approvals.The development will comprise more than 2,000 residential units, including 1,065 apartments and 971 villas, in addition to a commercial boulevard, service facilities, public spaces and open areas designed to enhance quality of life and create an integrated residential environment.The historic Ain Al Saya will serve as a central feature and one of the key elements of the development, positioned at the heart of the commercial boulevard and surrounding public spaces. Eskan Bank has incorporated the historic landmark into the project’s development vision in a manner that preserves its heritage value and strengthens its role as a cultural and community destination for residents and visitors.The project aims to provide a diverse range of housing options and promising investment opportunities, while contributing to commercial activity and supporting sustainable urban development in Muharraq Governorate.Mr. Abdulla Talib, General Manager of Eskan Bank, said: “Al Saya Greens represents a significant step in Eskan Bank’s efforts to develop integrated urban communities that meet citizens’ needs and support sustainable development in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The project will provide more than 2,000 diverse residential units, together with integrated commercial and community facilities, while placing particular emphasis on highlighting the historic Ain Al Saya as one of the key heritage landmarks reflecting the identity and history of the area.”He added that signing the agreement with Gulf House Engineering marks an important step in advancing the project. The company’s expertise will contribute to the preparation of the master plan and detailed infrastructure design in accordance with leading planning and engineering practices, supporting the project’s vision to establish an integrated urban destination combining residential and leisure uses while preserving the site’s distinctive heritage character.Al Saya Greens is expected to contribute to increasing the Kingdom’s housing supply and creating an integrated urban destination that brings together residential and leisure facilities, while revitalising the historic Ain Al Saya as a landmark reflecting the authenticity and rich history of the area. The project is set to represent a distinctive addition to Bahrain’s urban landscape.

Her Excellency Ms. Amna bint Ahmed Alrumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, affirmed that investing in national talent and developing its capabilities constitutes a key pillar in advancing the housing and urban planning sector. She highlighted the importance of integrating government and academic expertise to build specialised capabilities able to keep pace with evolving requirements and harness knowledge and innovation to enhance work systems, supporting the aspirations of sustainable urban development while improving service quality and operational efficiency.This came as part of the joint coordination between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and Bahrain Polytechnic to strengthen cooperation across several areas, including the development of training programmes, the exchange of knowledge and practical expertise, and the utilisation of academic and applied expertise in technical, administrative and technological fields related to the housing and urban planning sector. The coordination took place during the second edition of the Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition, held from 29 September to 3 October 2026.Minister Alrumaihi explained that this coordination contributes to linking knowledge and practical application with workplace needs and expanding professional development opportunities for national talent, thereby enhancing their readiness to meet the requirements of the housing and urban planning sector and supporting the development of institutional performance.She also stressed the importance of continuing to expand areas of cooperation with academic institutions, enabling the sector to benefit from specialised knowledge and expertise in developing innovative solutions to challenges related to housing and urban planning and supporting pathways for development and innovation across the sector.For his part, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bahrain Polytechnic, emphasised the importance of integrating the efforts of government and academic institutions in linking applied education with the needs of development sectors and preparing national talent equipped with the knowledge and skills required to contribute effectively to the development process.He added that coordination with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning enhances the utilisation of academic and applied capabilities in developing national talent, strengthening their readiness to keep pace with labour market requirements, and contributing to the advancement of priority sectors.