His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, deputised Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa to inaugurate the Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition yesterday.
The event, held under the patronage of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, will be under the theme “Towards Innovative and Sustainable Housing Solutions” and will conclude tomorrow at the Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB).
Shaikh Khalid highlighted that the social housing sector in Bahrain remains a top national development priority. He noted that it receives continuous support under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad, who has directed efforts to accelerate housing projects to deliver 50,000 new housing units and improve public services, thereby advancing the kingdom and enhancing family wellbeing.
Shaikh Khalid emphasised that the government, under the leadership of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has launched new financing programmes and options aimed at delivering prompt housing services tailored to citizens’ needs and preferences. These efforts support the implementation of government priorities for the 2023-2026 programme.
Shaikh Khalid also highlighted the follow-up and directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to expand projects under the Government Land Development Rights Programme, which is currently being implemented across the kingdom in partnership with the private sector.
Shaikh Khalid commended the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry and Eskan Bank for organising the conference. He emphasised that the event serves as a platform for stakeholders from Bahrain and abroad, including those from both the public and private sectors as well as international experts, to discuss the current state of social housing, its challenges, and development opportunities.
The Deputy Prime Minister also commended the active participation of government entities, real estate companies, and commercial banks in the accompanying exhibition, noting that their involvement reflects a commitment to providing housing projects and solutions that help citizens access suitable housing as swiftly as possible. He wished the organisers continued success.
During the opening ceremony, memorandums of understanding were signed between the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry and several real estate firms to implement projects under the Government Land Development Rights Programme.
The Deputy Prime Minister honoured the companies supporting the conference and inaugurated the exhibition.
Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi thanked the King for his unwavering support of the social housing sector. She underscored the ministry’s and Eskan Bank’s commitment to fulfilling His Majesty’s vision by accelerating housing projects and delivering 50,000 housing units.
She also thanked HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for supporting the conference and exhibition, which aligns with his directives to expand events that promote awareness of housing finance programmes. She also thanked Shaikh Khalid for inaugurating the conference and accompanying exhibition.
Ms Al Romaihi emphasised that the conference comes at a critical time as the ministry and Eskan Bank move forward with implementing the royal directive to expedite housing projects through the launch of the ‘Tas’heel+’ financing programme.
In addition to the conference’s 12 discussion sessions featuring experts from Bahrain and abroad, the minister invited citizens to visit the exhibition to explore key housing projects and available financing offers. The event is part of the ministry’s and Eskan Bank’s commitment to informing citizens about available options for suitable housing.
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