Sakhir:His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, appointed Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, to inaugurate the Innovation Summit in the Social Housing Sector 2026. The summit, organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and Eskan Bank, is being held at Exhibition World Bahrain from September 29 to October 3.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event coincides with the fourth Gulf Cooperation Council Housing Week, with Bahrain hosting as part of its presidency of the 46th session of the GCC Supreme Council. The opening was attended by senior officials and representatives from GCC countries, as well as public and private sector delegates.
During the ceremony, the Ministry signed a contract with Naseej to implement the Khalifa City project, the largest initiative under the Government Land Development Rights Programme. This project includes the development of over 2,500 housing units and aligns with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's directive to provide 50,000 housing units.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah emphasized the importance of innovative models and partnerships to advance Bahrain's housing plans. He noted that the Khalifa City project exemplifies the progress made in public-private partnerships, which combine government land with private sector capabilities to deliver large-scale housing projects.
He also highlighted the economic benefits of these partnerships, including opportunities for real estate development and contributions to sustainable economic growth. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for organizing the event and hoped for productive discussions.
Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, Amna bint Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, conveyed her appreciation for the Crown Prince's support and the Deputy Prime Minister's involvement. She underscored the ministry's commitment to the royal directive to deliver 50,000 housing units, stressing the role of private sector partnerships in achieving these goals.
The Khalifa City project, developed by Naseej under the Government Land Development Rights Programme, will offer subsidized housing units and include substantial green space and infrastructure. Naseej will handle the project's design, financing, construction, and sales, ensuring alignment with housing finance values and standards.
Following the opening, the Deputy Prime Minister toured the exhibition, viewing the latest innovations and projects in the social housing sector and engaging with representatives from participating entities.