More than 12,700 housing services have been allocated to Bahraini citizens since the start of the current parliamentary term in December 2022.
Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi said efforts have been stepped up to cut waiting lists through accelerated construction and expanded private-sector partnerships.
Responding to a parliamentary question by public utilities and environment affairs committee vice-chairman MP Mohammed Hussain Janahi, the minister said 12,733 housing applications were fulfilled across all governorates, while around 47,000 applications remain on waiting lists for traditional housing services, including apartments and residential plots.
The minister said the figures reflect a shift in strategy from reliance on traditional construction alone.
“Our approach is based on diversifying housing solutions and giving citizens faster access to suitable options, in line with the Government Programme 2023-2026,” she said. “The focus is no longer only on waiting, but on choice, flexibility and immediacy.”
Ms Al Romaihi explained that waiting list figures fluctuate continuously due to new applications being submitted daily, beneficiaries opting for financing schemes, and the allocation of alternative housing services.
Significant progress has been made on large-scale housing cities.
In East Sitra Housing Town, 1,077 units have already been handed over, while 531 units are nearing completion as part of the second phase. Work is underway on the third phase comprising 1,269 units. Residential plots have also been allocated following the completion of infrastructure works.
In Salman Town, a new generation of residential buildings has been inaugurated, delivering 1,362 upgraded apartments, with a further 432 ownership apartments under construction in the second phase. Meanwhile, 372 housing units are currently being implemented in Khalifa Town in the Southern Governorate.
Beyond traditional projects, Ms Al Romaihi said, the ministry has expanded partnerships with private developers through the Government Land Development Rights Programme.
Completed and ongoing schemes include Suhail in Al Lawzi (132 units), Al Naseem in Salman Town (131 units), Al Wadi in Buhair (76 units) and Danat Sanad (47 units). Contracts have also been signed for three new projects in Salman Town providing 137 units, while preparations are underway for a major project exceeding 3,000 units in Khalifa Town.
“These partnerships are essential to increase supply and reduce delivery timelines,” the minister said. “They allow us to leverage private-sector efficiency while maintaining social housing objectives.”
To further reduce waiting periods, she explained, the ministry has expanded housing finance solutions.
“The enhanced Tas’heel Plus programme offers improved benefits, while the newly launched Ambition programme enables apartment owners to receive additional government-backed financing of BD20,000 after 10 years, helping families move to larger homes,” said Ms Al Romaihi.
She pointed out that financing options now play a central role in meeting demand, particularly in areas where land availability is limited, including constituency one of the Capital Governorate.
“We are committed to accommodating housing requests across all constituencies,” the minister said. “Citizens today can choose the size, location and type of home that best suits their needs through financing options, rather than wait solely for traditional units.”
The ministry rolled out 12 national media campaigns to promote immediate housing solutions.
“We also launched the Bayti real estate platform, held multiple housing finance exhibitions and innovation conferences, and delivered more than 100 awareness sessions across the kingdom,” said Ms Al Romaihi.
Looking ahead, the ministry confirmed that housing projects approved under the 2025-2026 state budget are moving forward. Additional plans will be finalised during preparations for the 2027-2028 budget, in consultation with Parliament.
“Our commitment is clear,” the minister added. “We will continue working closely with lawmakers to ensure housing delivery keeps pace with citizens’ aspirations.”
Meanwhile, thousands of Bahraini families are set to benefit from a recent decision to cut the maximum monthly instalment for beneficiaries of the Mazaya social housing finance programme from BD527 to BD427.
According to ministry figures, Mazaya has benefited more than 13,000 citizens to date.
Studies conducted ahead of the decision showed that 77 per cent of beneficiaries pay an average monthly instalment of BD173, while the average government support for this segment stands at BD345 per month. This group alone accounts for 67pc of total government support under the programme.
Launched in 2014, Mazaya was Bahrain’s first housing finance programme implemented in partnership with the private sector. Under the scheme, participating banks provide housing finance of up to BD81,000 to eligible citizens with monthly incomes ranging between BD600 and BD1,200, for the purchase of ready-built homes.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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