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Bahrain has developed more than 100 social housing models over the past several decades as it explores new designs, layouts and technologies to meet the changing needs of families, a forum heard.
The evolution is being driven by a combination of government land, private developers, banks, new financing models and a growing appetite for innovation, according to Housing and Urban Planning Ministry under-secretary Fatima Al Mannai.
She said the ministry was currently looking at emerging applications of artificial intelligence to accelerate construction.
Ms Al Mannai was speaking at the Innovation Summit in the Housing Sector 2026.
According to her, Bahrain’s evolving housing models gives families greater choice over how their homes look and function, with designs reflecting different lifestyles, tastes and household needs.
“Bahrain’s housing experience, which dates back to the 1960s, had reached a point where traditional government-led delivery alone could no longer meet the changing scale and nature of demand,” she noted.
“We realised at a certain stage that we needed greater expansion, flexibility and innovation to address the housing challenge.
“More than 100 different types of housing units have been developed throughout our history, with designs and layouts continually modified in response to changing expectations and public feedback.
“Housing options can now include modern, contemporary, classic and mixed-style designs, allowing families to select homes that combine traditional Bahraini character with more modern architectural features.
“The flexibility extends beyond the exterior appearance, with families able to consider different layouts and additional spaces according to their requirements. These can include extra bedrooms, majlis areas, family living rooms, dining spaces, home offices, study rooms, storage areas, laundry rooms and larger kitchens, while some designs can accommodate entertainment areas or dedicated spaces for children as well.”
The transformation is also being supported by changes in how homes are financed and delivered.
A major milestone was the launch of the Mazaya financing programme in 2013, developed with the banking sector. The programme helped thousands of citizens move away from traditional waiting-list arrangements towards faster housing solutions.
The model has since expanded, with private developers increasing their housing stock in line with government financing programmes.
Ms Al Mannai said the next chapter was now being written through government land development projects, described as the ministry’s largest co-operation initiative with the private sector.
One of the flagship developments, in partnership with Naseej, is expected to deliver 2,500 housing units.
“We are entering a very important stage in the housing sector, where our partnership with the private sector has reached a level of maturity,” she said.
The response from citizens has also demonstrated how rapidly the housing market is changing.
Some developments have been sold within three minutes, Ms Al Mannai said, reflecting strong demand and growing awareness among citizens of the housing options available to them.
“The direction is clear: Bahrain is moving from a one-size-fits-all concept of social housing towards a more varied housing product, shaped by experience, technology, private-sector expertise and the expectations of citizens,” she added.
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