Bahrain’s Social Housing Sector: A Transformation in Partnership with China
The social housing sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain is poised for a transformative leap with the signing of a strategic partnership deal with China. This partnership, spearheaded by Amna Al Rumaihi, the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, is set to revolutionize the sector with modern security standards and Chinese technical and engineering expertise. The agreement, which aligns with China’s ambitious “Belt and Road” initiative, focuses on the redevelopment of old residential areas, the management of residential communities, and the regulation of the real estate market.
The collaboration between Bahrain and China aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and leverage China’s leading expertise in housing. Minister Al Rumaihi emphasized that this initiative supports the Kingdom’s objectives to enhance housing service mechanisms, project management, and post-occupancy support for citizens. The Chinese Minister, Mr. Ni Hong, expressed his enthusiasm for Bahrain’s urban development, particularly in the social housing sector, and reiterated China’s commitment to deepening cooperation and facilitating exchange visits to enrich housing policies in both nations.
Meetings between the Bahraini and Chinese delegations explored further avenues of collaboration in the social housing sector. The Bahraini delegation showcased key initiatives and programs of the Ministry of Housing, along with promising investment opportunities for real estate developers through the government’s land development rights program in partnership with the private sector. Bahrain’s extensive social housing programs, which have successfully served a large portion of its citizens, have been recognized globally by the United Nations.
Since the establishment of the Ministry of Housing in the 1970s, the government has delivered nearly 130,000 housing services to the people of Bahrain. In recent years, these social programs have expanded significantly with increased budget allocations, reaching unprecedented levels of coverage. The strategic partnership with China is set to elevate Bahrain’s social housing sector to new heights, promising enhanced living standards and robust urban development for its citizens. With smart construction measures, world-class security and safety measures, and energy-efficient building materials, Bahrain is paving the way for a brighter future in the realm of social housing.
