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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.

Her Excellency Ms. Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, affirmed that the continued development of the social housing sector and the provision of diverse housing options that meet citizens' needs and aspirations remain an ongoing priority, in line with 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 Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to further develop housing services and expand the options available to citizens.Speaking on the occasion of World Habitat Day, held this year under the theme "Adequate Housing for All," Her Excellency highlighted that the occasion underscores the importance of integrating housing policies, urban planning and development partnerships to support the provision of diverse housing options and the development of integrated communities that meet the current and future needs of citizens.Her Excellency noted that His Majesty the King's directives to accelerate housing projects to provide 50,000 housing units represent a fundamental pillar of the plans to develop the social housing sector. She explained that the Ministry is pursuing an integrated approach encompassing the expansion of housing projects, diversification of financing solutions and strengthening of partnerships with the private sector, contributing to the accelerated delivery of housing services and the expansion of options available to citizens.Her Excellency further stated that the Ministry continues to strengthen integration between housing projects and financing programmes, ensuring that the availability of suitable financing keeps pace with the growing supply of housing options tailored to citizens' needs and financial capabilities. She emphasised that this integration contributes to enabling citizens to benefit from housing services more quickly, improving the efficiency of the housing sector and enhancing its capacity to respond to changing circumstances and future needs.

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.