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Bahrain has quietly transformed the concept of futuristic urban living from an ambitious vision into reality, with five major model cities already taking shape as part of an unprecedented housing revolution aimed at building not just homes – but fully integrated communities.
That was the message delivered yesterday by Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi during her keynote address at the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2026 at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa.
The minister revealed that Bahrain has already established five flagship modern residential cities, marking what she described as a major leap in turning the kingdom into a regional model for sustainable and technology-driven urban development.
The five landmark developments include Salman Town, Hidd Housing Town, Khalifa Town, Sitra Housing Town and the rapidly-developing Ramli District.
Ms Al Romaihi said royal directives issued by His Majesty King Hamad had become the driving force behind reshaping Bahrain’s housing sector.
“Those directives formed the foundation of Bahrain’s smart city journey,” she said. “We have learned tremendously from years of delivering thousands of homes, starting with the previous target of building 40,000 housing units and now moving toward a new programme of 50,000 additional homes.”
But, she stressed the government’s ambition had evolved far beyond simply handing over houses.
“Our goal is no longer just building homes,” said Ms Al Romaihi. “We’re building integrated communities that include healthcare, education, commercial centres, green spaces and all essential daily services needed for future generations.”
She singled out Salman Town as Bahrain’s ‘biggest success story’ and a project that dramatically changed public perceptions about government housing.
“Salman Town changed society’s view of public housing projects,” she said. “It features advanced urban design, smart distribution of facilities, wide roads, intensive landscaping, walking and cycling tracks, and modern digital infrastructure.”
Residents, she added, can access most daily necessities within minutes thanks to the carefully planned city design.
In a major boost for home seekers, Ms Al Romaihi revealed the government was aggressively expanding partnerships with private developers while ensuring affordability remained protected.
“All units we are currently building with the private sector will not exceed BD99,000,” she said. “Without government intervention, similar homes in the open market could cost between BD120,000 and BD150,000, which simply would not match the financing support we offer citizens.”
She also hinted that Salman Town was entering a new phase of expansion, with private developers showing strong interest in future investment opportunities.
The minister said Bahrain’s housing transformation is now becoming one of the clearest examples of how the kingdom is blending technology, sustainability and long-term planning to create the cities of tomorrow.
Ms Al Romaihi also pointed out 84sqkm has been classified for future uses.
“The Cabinet, under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has a vision not just for 2030, more ideas and targets are being mapped out for Vision 2050, and building on beyond.”
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