Bahrain's Housing Journey highlights the key milestones and achievements of the housing sector since the launch of its first projects in 1962. It showcases the development of housing cities and projects, the introduction of innovative housing and financing solutions, and strengthened partnerships with the private sector, reflecting the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning's commitment to providing suitable housing for citizens, promoting family stability, and supporting sustainable urban development.
The Beginning
1981-2000
2001-2020
2021-2040
1962
Housing & Ownership Project Establishment
On September 11, 1962, Amiri Decree No. 2 of 1962 was issued, establishing the Housing and Ownership Project and outlining its regulations. The initiative aimed to provide healthy and decent housing for citizens with low to moderate incomes. This project set the regulations for the housing initiative in the Kingdom of Bahrain and represents an important move to enhance citizens' ability to own suitable housing
1963
Laying the Foundation Stone for Isa Town
In 1963, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the late Amir of the State of Bahrain, presided over the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for the Isa Town project. This event is considered one of the pioneering steps taken by the esteemed government in its journey to provide social housing services for citizens, as part of its approach to implementing new housing cities. Isa Town is also regarded as the first integrated model city developed in the Arabian Gulf.
1964
Housing Units Delivery in Budaiya Area
In 1964, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince at that time, handed over housing units to citizens in Budaiya Area.
1964
Inspecting Work Progress in Isa Town Housing Project
In December 1964, His Royal Highness the late Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa visited Isa Town to inspect the progress of the housing project. He was accompanied by project engineers Mr. C.J. Briggs and Mr. Tom Flatley from George Wimpy Company, as well as Mr. Mahmoud Ahmed Al-Alawi, Director of Finance, and members of the Housing and Ownership Committee, Mr. Abdullah Ghuloom and Mr. Ali Abdulrahman Al-Wazzan.
1964
Laying the Foundation Stone for Jaw and Askar Towns
On December 24, 1964, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince at that time, laid the foundation stone for the model village in Jaw and Askar. In the picture, to the right of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, is His Highness Sheikh Ateyatallah bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, the Director of the Rural Affairs Department, which was responsible for the modern administrative organization of Bahrain's villages at that time.
1968
Isa Town Opening Ceremony
His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the late Amir of the State of Bahrain, inaugurates Isa Town in a grand ceremony held at Isa Town Stadium on November 13, 1968.
1975
Laying Arad Housing Project Foundation Stone
The late Prince Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, under his patronage, a ceremony was held to lay the foundation stone for Arad housing project in December 1975.
1975
Housing Ministry Establishment & Appointment of First Housing Minister
His Highness the late Amir Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa issued Amiri Decree No. 18 in 1975, establishing the Ministry of Housing. His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa was appointed as the first Minister of Housing.
1976
Dumistan & Karzakan Villages Housing Project Inauguration
In December 1976, amidst the vibrant National Day celebrations, the late Amir Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa graced the inauguration of a transformative housing project for the villages of Dumistan and Karzakan.
1979
Founding of Eskan Bank
Eskan Bank was founded in 1979 to provide real estate financing to low- and middle-income citizens and has grown to become a strategic partner of the Ministry of Housing in creating and providing comprehensive and sustainable housing solutions.
1980
His Majesty the King’s Visit to the Housing Ministry Exhibition
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince at that time, visited the Ministry of Housing exhibition in 1980.
1980
Housing Ministry Building Inauguration & Exhibition
His Highness the late Amir Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa inaugurates the Ministry of Housing building in 1980.
1982
Laying Hamad Town Foundation Stone
The late Prince Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa laid the foundation stone for Hamad Town Housing Project in December 1982.
1985
Hamad Town Housing Project
Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the late Sultan of Oman, graciously undertook a field visit to Hamad Town during his official visit to the country in 1985.
1986
Hamad Town Housing Project
Some features of welcoming the visit of the late King Fahd bin Abdulaziz to Hamad City in 1986.
1990
Hamad Town Housing Project
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE, graciously undertook a field visit to Hamad Town during his official visit to the country in 1990.
2001
Madinat Zayed Housing Project Inauguration
The Madinat Zayed project was inaugurated in 2001, this project exemplified great cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates in its implementation. It was funded by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE. The town provided approximately 484 housing units in its first phase.
2002
Laying Madinat Salman Foundation Stone
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, laid the foundation stone for Madinat Salman Project on October 3, 2002. This city is one of the most significant strategic initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Housing on the northwest coast of the Kingdom of Bahrain, covering an area of 740 hectares. It is recognized as the largest city in terms of area, housing units, facilities, and services.
2012
Launching First Private Sector Partnership Initiatives in Madinat Salman & Al-Lawzi District
In 2012, the Ministry of Housing sealed its first partnership agreement with the private sector, which includes the construction of 2,450 housing units: 1,618 in Madinat Salman and 832 in Al-Lawzi District. This initiative is one of the most significant pioneering efforts in the region, adopted by the Ministry as part of its housing plan implemented that same year.
2013
Inauguration of Mazaya Program
On October 23, 2013, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, patronized the inauguration ceremony of the "Mazaya" program, which provides citizens with access to housing financing from private banks participating in the program, while providing government financial subsidy contributing to the payment of the monthly installments.
2013
Laying East Hidd Housing Project Foundation Stone
On May 21, 2013, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa delegated His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for East Hidd City Project, which will provide various educational, health and recreational services on an area of 227 hectares.
2013
Royal Order to Build 40,000 new housing units
In His Majesty’s royal speech during the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Day celebrations on December 16, 2013, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa directed the construction of 40,000 new housing units in the shortest timeframe, along with the construction of other complementary services, to ensure a decent life and a suitable living environment for citizens.
2015
Laying Sitra Town Housing Project Foundation Stone
On June 15, 2015, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa delegated His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Sitra City Project, which comprises over 3,000 housing units and plots.
2015
Agreement Signing with Diyar Al Muharraq Company for the purchase of Residential Units of "Deerat Al Oyoun" project
On March 23, 2015, the Ministry of Housing signed an agreement with Diyar Al Muharraq Company to purchase ready-made residential units of the project with the same technical specifications approved by the Ministry. The total number of units that were purchased reached 3,200 residential units encompassed in a project that was named "Deerat Al Oyoun".
2016
Madinat Khalifa Housing Project Implementation Commencement
Khalifa City Housing Project was launched in 2016, marking a collaboration between the Ministry of Housing and the Prince Charles Foundation -at that time- to create a blueprint for a new residential city in southern Bahrain, located between the villages of Askar, Jaw, and Al Dur.
2016
Inauguration “Masaken” Project
Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, has graciously patronized the inauguration of the first model of the "Masaken" project in the Lawzi District in the Northern Governorate. This project is dedicated to the fifth housing category and operates as a usufruct right, providing housing services offered by the state.
2017
Khalifa City Inauguration
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa inaugurated Khalifa City on December 12, 2017, during his visit to the Southern Governorate. His Majesty named this project Khalifa City in honor of His Royal Highness the late Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the esteemed Prime Minister.
2017
Al-Ramli District Housing Project Construction
The Ramli housing project began implementation in 2017, covering an area of 100 hectares. This centrally located project in the Kingdom of Bahrain offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities, aiming to create a unique Bahraini community and a sustainable environment. The first phase was inaugurated in December 2019, attended by His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Development & Infrastructure Projects Ministerial Committee.
2018
Madinat Salman Inauguration
On May 15, 2018, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa officially handed over the first two housing units in Madinat Salman to beneficiary citizens during the city's inauguration.
2019
Government Land Development Rights Program (GLDP) Launch
The Ministry of Housing launched its first projects under a new housing program aimed at developing housing units on state-owned land in partnership with the private sector. This program includes the construction of 132 new housing units in the Lawzi District, with plans for additional projects to follow, contingent on evaluation and verification of all components. Through this initiative, the ministry aims to develop a portfolio of lands across various regions of the Kingdom, aiming to diversify housing options for citizens benefiting from the housing finance program.
2022
Completion of 40,000 Housing Units
In March 2022, the implementation of the Royal Decree was completed, resulting in the provision of 40,000 housing units for citizens across various housing cities in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s governorates.
2022
Launch of Housing Finance Program
In August 2022, the Housing Finance Program was launched, introducing “Tas’heel” and “Enhanced Mazaya” programs. This initiative is notable for its immediacy and diversity, offering a range of housing solutions that enable citizens to choose from a variety of options.
2023
Visiting First Model Neighborhood in Sitra Housing City
In March 2023, the model neighborhood of the Sitra Housing City was inaugurated during the inspection visit of Her Excellancy Ms. Amna bint Ahmed Al-Rumaihi the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning. This neighborhood includes ready and furnished housing units, serving as a model available for citizens and visitors to view the new design approved by the ministry for building housing units.
2023
Inauguration of the "Suhail” Housing Project
On the 15th of June 2023, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the "Suhail" housing project, located in the Lawzi District. This project is the first of the Government Land Development Rights Program in partnership with the private sector, offering 132 housing units.
2023
Muharraq City Development Project
In implementation of the Royal Order of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa made on October 8, 2023, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa visited Muharraq on October 11, 2023, where the Muharraq Development Plan and efforts to preserve its cultural and historical identity were launched.
2023
Inauguration of the Sitra City Housing Project
On December 28, 2023, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, graciously patroned the inauguration ceremony of the Sitra City Housing Project.
2024
Royal Directive to Provide 50,000 Housing Units
In March 2025, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, issued a royal directive to accelerate housing projects to provide 50,000 new housing units and develop public services to achieve qualitative improvements that align with the aspirations for Bahrain’s advancement and the prosperity of the Bahraini family.
2024
Platinum Category rating under the “Taqyeem 5” Program
In 2024, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning’s Virtual Customer Service Center (VCSC) was awarded the Platinum Category rating under the “Taqyeem 5” Government Service Center Evaluation Program, during the first assessment cycle for this classification.
2024
Inauguration of the Salman City vertical housing project
On November 21, 2024, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the first project of the newly developed vertical housing model in Salman City.
2025
“Tas'heel+” financing
In April 2025, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning launched the “Tas'heel+” financing program as the latest housing finance option, in collaboration with partner banks participating in the housing finance initiative. The program includes additional features designed to better serve citizens.
2025
Inauguration of Tumooh Program
Tumooh It is a supplementary financing program provided to citizens for those who have previously obtained housing financing through financing programs (Tas'heel/ Tas'heel +) in addition to previous beneficiaries of purchase financing for the purpose of purchasing a residential apartment.
2025
Launching a new package of housing programs and solutions
The Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition in April 2025 witnessed the launch of a package of new programs and solutions, including «facilitation+», the «ambitious» program, off-plan sales for government land development rights projects, and the private land development rights program, in addition to the launch of the second version of the Beity platform.This package represented an expansion of the housing services model by diversifying financing and real estate solutions, strengthening partnerships with the private sector, and increasing the real estate inventory available to citizens.
2025
Developing an integrated electronic housing services system
The housing services system has witnessed an expansion in digital transformation and electronic integration with relevant government and private agencies, leading to connectivity with 11 agencies, which has contributed to simplifying procedures, reducing reliance on paper documents, and raising the efficiency and quality of services provided to citizens.
2025
Arab Government Excellence Award for the best Arab initiative to zero bureaucracy
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning won the Arab Government Excellence Award 2025 in the category of "Best Initiative to Zero Bureaucracy", for its initiative "Integrated Electronic Housing Services", as part of the Ministry's efforts to implement a comprehensive digital transformation plan and electronic connectivity with various entities related to housing services provided to citizens.
2025
Best Integrated Electronic Services Award (Public Sector)
The "Best Integrated Electronic Services Award within the E-Government Excellence Award 2025", organized by the Information and E-Government Authority, in recognition of the development achieved by the Ministry In providing integrated digital housing services that rely on electronic connectivity with relevant government agencies, and contribute to facilitating procedures and improving the beneficiaries' experience.
2025
Digital Innovation and Excellence Award during the Bahrain Society for Human Resources Management ceremony
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning won the “Work Environment Development and Employee Performance” award, during the ceremony organized by the Bahrain Society for Human Resources Management to honor distinguished institutions and individuals in the field of developing the human resources system for the year 2025 AD, where the award was received by Her Excellency Miss Fatima Ibrahim Al-Mannai, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.This award comes as a culmination of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to improve the work environment and enhance employee performance, as part of its endeavor to develop government services, improve the quality of institutional performance, and achieve the goals of the government's work program 2023 – 2026.The Ministry has been keen to develop the internal work environment and enhance the efficiency of the human resources system, by adopting modern procedures in line with international best practices, which has contributed to improving the efficiency of institutional performance and consolidating a work environment that stimulates excellence.The Ministry stressed that this award represents an incentive to continue the path of development and excellence, and reflects the effective role of national competencies within the “Bahrain Team”, which has high professional and innovative capabilities, noting that this appreciation enhances the culture of continuous development and innovation in institutional performance. The Ministry also expressed its thanks and appreciation to the Bahrain Society for Human Resources Management for this appreciation.
2025
Bahrain Digital Content Award 2025 BDC Awards
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning won the Bahrain Digital Content Award 2025 BDC Awards as the best entity providing "integrated government services for housing services" within the "Government and Citizen Participation" category awards for the second time, during a ceremony organized by the Bahrain Association of Technology Companies (BTC). His Excellency Mr. Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Speaker of the Shura Council, presented the award to Her Excellency Mrs. Donia Faisal Sarhan, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Information at the Ministry, in the presence of a number of senior officials in the Kingdom at a ceremony held on this occasion at the Gulf Hotel this Sunday morning.
2026
Completion of the «Al Naseem District» project as a model for partnership with the private sector
The implementation and delivery of units of the «Al Naseem District» project in Salman City has been completed as part of the government land development rights program, reflecting the development of the partnership model between the public and private sectors in implementing social housing projects and accelerating the provision of units to beneficiaries.
2026
Gulf Engineering Union Award in the Distinguished Construction Projects category for the Salman City project
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning won the Gulf Engineering Union Award for Excellence and Engineering Creativity in the category of distinguished construction projects for the Salman City project during the ceremony organized by the Gulf Engineering Union at the headquarters of the Kuwait Society of Engineers in the sisterly State of Kuwait, where the award was received by Mrs. Fatima Ibrahim Al-Mannai, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.
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