During a panel discussion for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) housing ministers, Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi participated.

On the sidelines of the 21st meeting of GCC officials responsible for housing, the session was hosted as part of Gulf Housing Week.

There was a discussion about the latest developments in housing policies and plans within the GCC.

There are many challenges facing social housing, especially with the growing demand for housing services, which requires the development of continuous plans and programmes in order to maintain the provision of housing for citizens.

In her speech, Al Rumaihi noted that GCC countries are working steadily toward achieving this goal by diversifying their housing policies and collaborating with the private sector to come up with creative solutions. 

According to the minister, Bahrain has given a high priority to engaging the private sector in social housing as part of its government programs. The ministry's current plans rely on three main tracks, such as financing, government lands development rights, and the continuation of existing housing cities.

Citizen financing options allow them to buy housing units, build them, or buy land and build them, as well as join a group to buy or build a joint property, and to build near their relatives.

By launching "Suhail", the first housing project under the government lands development rights program, the session highlighted the successful launch of the program.

During the second edition of the Housing Finance Exhibition held last June, 93% of Suhail's total units were reserved within 10 days, she said, noting that citizens showed interest in the project.

Currently, Salman Town and Khalifa Town are being implemented as two new projects under this program, according to Al Rumaihi.