Her Excellency Ms. Amna bint Ahmed Al Romaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the Fourth GCC Housing Week reflects the continued efforts of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to strengthen joint cooperation in the housing sector, exchange experiences and expertise, and encourage innovation and community partnerships. These efforts contribute to developing housing solutions and improving the quality of services provided to citizens.

Her remarks came during her attendance at the ceremony honoring the winners of the seventh edition of the GCC Housing Award, alongside the recognition of several supporters and contributors to housing development across GCC countries, as well as students who won the third edition of the GCC Housing Hackathon. The ceremony was held as part of the fourth day’s activities of the Fourth GCC Housing Week, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain at Exhibition World Bahrain.

Minister Al Romaihi commended the continuous progress achieved through joint GCC cooperation in the housing sector, emphasizing that GCC Housing Week has become an important platform bringing together officials, experts, specialists, and young people from across GCC member states. The event provides opportunities to exchange successful experiences, showcase innovative solutions and practices, and strengthen cooperation between government entities, the private sector, academic institutions, and community organizations.

Her Excellency noted that the GCC Housing Award represents an important initiative in promoting excellence and innovation in the housing sector by highlighting pioneering projects and models that offer practical and sustainable solutions. She emphasized that the diversity of projects recognized in the seventh edition reflects the advanced experiences of GCC countries, which can be further developed and utilized to enhance social housing policies and programs.

The ceremony, held in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, featured the announcement of the winning projects in the seventh edition of the award, held under the theme “An Integrated Housing Project with Comprehensive Services… Enhancing Quality of Life.”

The West Baniyas Housing Project, submitted by the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority of the United Arab Emirates, won first place, receiving a prize of SAR 200,000. The Sultan Haitham City Project, submitted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning of the Sultanate of Oman, secured second place with a prize of SAR 100,000. The Khayala Residential Destination Project, submitted by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, received third place with a prize of SAR 75,000.

Minister Al Romaihi emphasized that recognizing outstanding housing projects at the GCC level holds particular significance, as it provides an opportunity to explore successful models and exchange knowledge and expertise among member states. This supports joint efforts to provide more efficient and sustainable housing solutions and strengthens the sector’s ability to respond to citizens’ aspirations and evolving urban, social, and economic developments.

The ceremony also recognized several supporters and contributors to housing development and community initiatives across GCC countries, in appreciation of their contributions to providing suitable housing for eligible families. Among those honored was the Royal Humanitarian Foundation of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in recognition of its contribution of more than BHD 1 million, alongside several other supporting institutions, initiatives, and individuals from GCC member states.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Planning expressed her pride in the recognition of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation among this distinguished group of supporting GCC institutions. She emphasized that the recognition reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian and community work, as well as its continued dedication to initiatives that promote family stability and provide suitable housing.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, students from GCC countries who participated in the third edition of the GCC Housing Hackathon were honored. The competition was held under the theme “Innovative Housing Solutions Lab… A Youth Vision for the Future of Housing,” with the participation of more than 35 male and female students from across GCC member states.

Minister Al Romaihi emphasized that engaging GCC youth in developing innovative housing solutions represents an important investment in the future of the sector. She noted that such initiatives create opportunities for new ideas that leverage modern technologies, digital transformation, sustainability concepts, and quality-of-life principles. She also praised the participants for presenting ideas and initiatives that demonstrate the awareness of GCC youth regarding future challenges and opportunities in the housing sector.

Her Excellency concluded by affirming that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the Fourth GCC Housing Week, along with its accompanying meetings and specialized events, reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to actively contributing to the development of joint GCC cooperation in the housing sector and strengthening the exchange of expertise and experiences among member states in support of shared goals and aspirations.