Bahrain's housing partnerships inject nearly $5bn into economy

27/11/2025 03:59 AST

Bahrain has injected almost 1.9 billion dinars ($5 billion) into its economy through public-private partnerships in the housing sector, according to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.

The partnership framework, first introduced in 2013 and expanded in recent years, has helped reduce the national housing waitlist by 17 percent between 2022 and 2024, the Bahrain News Agency reported, citing Housing Minister Amna Al-Rumaihi.

This underscores the housing industry's growing impact on real estate activity, construction demand, and consumer-driven sectors.

Speaking during Cityscape Bahrain, the minister noted that the strategy aligns with a royal directive to fast-track 50,000 housing units, a milestone positioned as a key driver of living-standards improvements and economic development.

She said this "reflects the keenness to provide decent living conditions for citizens as they are the cornerstone of development work in the comprehensive development process witnessed by the Kingdom of Bahrain," the BNA report stated.

Al-Rumaihi added that "the ministry is working to accelerate the implementation of projects, expand the base of partnership with the private sector, and develop multiple financing solutions, in order to ensure that this directive is translated into tangible results on the ground."

Bahrain's housing system has undergone broad structural reforms, including updates to legislation, new partnership frameworks with developers, upgraded financing programs, improvements to sustainable housing city designs and the full digitalization of services.

These measures aim to increase efficiency, enhance service quality and reduce the gap between housing supply and demand.

The minister highlighted its collaboration with Eskan Bank to showcase financing and development programs that provide immediate options for eligible citizens.

She highlighted the strong adoption of the Tas'heel and updated Mazaya financing schemes launched in 2022.

As of the third quarter of 2025, accepted applications under these programs reached 2,322 with a combined financing value of 149.67 million dinars. Approved applications since the program's introduction total 10,504, with financing exceeding 630 million dinars.

The ministry also noted that a majority of new applications came from citizens shifting from traditional services toward instant financing options, reflecting a broader change in consumer behavior.

Additionally, the Tas'heel+ program, launched in April 2025, has attracted more than 600 applicants seeking higher financing limits and stable monthly payment plans.

Housing development is expanding through the government land development rights program, which includes seven new projects planned between 2024 and 2027 to deliver more than 4000 units.

A major strategic project in Khalifa City will add over 3000 units, supported by agreements with local and international developers. Other projects across Bahrain's governorates are underway.

Recent initiatives include the Tamooh program, which allows citizens to start with an apartment purchase through existing financing schemes and later access an additional 20,000-dinar facility to upgrade to a larger home.

The Bayty digital platform has also been upgraded to include online property reservations, digital valuation services, and full application tracking.

Government land development rights projects have seen strong demand, with the rapid sell-out of units in developments such as Al Naseem in Salman City and Al Wadi in Buhair.

Al-Rumaihi said these projects, along with private sector land development partnerships, are designed to accelerate access to suitable housing and support broader urban and economic integration.

The minister added that delivering 50,000 housing units is expected to serve as a major economic driver by creating jobs, stimulating the property market, supporting local industries, and strengthening the financial sector.

Arab News