As part of the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2026, a high-level ministerial session was held on integrating government work in building future cities. The session discussed the foundations of government integration and the role of planning, implementation, and partnership in building future cities and achieving sustainable development goals.
Speaking at the session were HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, and Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning.
HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed said that building future cities requires close integration between different entities and sectors, starting from urban planning, through the development of transport and telecommunications systems, and extending to advanced digital services. He said this contributes to creating more connected, efficient, and sustainable cities that can keep pace with future changes.
He noted that transportation is central to smart city systems due to its direct role in improving traffic flow, increasing infrastructure efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions. He said the next phase opens broad opportunities to develop more advanced and flexible transport solutions by using artificial intelligence, big data analytics, smart traffic management systems, electric and autonomous vehicles, and integrated public transport, enhancing the ability to address the needs of residents and visitors more quickly and efficiently.
The Transportation Minister added that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s efforts focus on strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors and utilising modern technologies and innovation to support sustainable development and develop digital and transport infrastructure capable of meeting future demands. He emphasised that adopting smart city solutions extends to building integrated urban systems that place people at the centre of development and strengthen Bahrain’s position among leading countries in smart transport and sustainable cities.
For her part, Minister Al Rumaihi said that the success of future cities depends on an integrated approach that combines urban planning, efficient implementation, infrastructure and service provision, and the use of modern technologies, directly contributing to achieving sustainable development goals. She highlighted the Kingdom’s experience in developing cities and urban projects, noting that integrated planning is the true starting point for building sustainable urban communities, where housing projects are linked from the outset with educational, health, social, economic services, as well as transport networks and infrastructure, ensuring integrated cities that meet citizens’ aspirations and enhance Bahrain’s competitiveness.
She said the Urban Planning and Development Authority continues to prepare master and detailed plans for existing and future areas under a comprehensive development vision. Over the past four years, 96 unplanned areas covering around 84 square kilometres have been completed and connected to infrastructure networks, with land allocated for public and community facilities, achieving sustainable urban development, alongside ongoing preparation of strategic plans for new areas that take into account all future city requirements.
The Housing Minister added that the development of housing cities such as Salman City, Khalifa City, Hidd Housing City, and Sitra Housing City formed a key part of government efforts to implement the directive of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to build 40,000 housing units, and to develop the concept of integrated housing cities, which continues through the directive to accelerate housing projects to provide 50,000 housing units for citizens.
She highlighted that infrastructure completion rates in major housing cities have risen to between 97% and 100%, reflecting Bahrain’s success in aligning planning, implementation, and service delivery, and confirming that partnership with the private sector has become a key enabler in achieving urban and housing development goals.
Minister Al Rumaihi also said the Government Land Development Rights Programme is a successful national model for development partnership. It includes eight projects between 2023 and 2026, with 523 housing units already awarded and under implementation across seven projects, alongside progress on one of the largest housing projects in Khalifa City, which aims to provide more than 2,500 housing units and apartments, helping to accelerate delivery and expand housing options for citizens.
Last Updated Date: 01-07-2026
