Latest news with #MinistryofHousingandUrbanPlanning


Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Muscat Governorate honours institutions
Muscat Governorate has honoured the entities that have achieved excellence in their mission performance and excelled in service provision, as an example of excellence, commitment, and responsibility. This award was initiated within the Institutional Excellence System, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, as a project to improve the quality of government services, and has been implemented in Muscat Governorate since 2023. Honoured Institutions in 2024: Telecommunications Regulatory Authority Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources The National Museum Al Amal Club- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Ministry of Education Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Consumer Protection Authority


Biz Bahrain
2 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Housing Ministry and Eskan Bank launch Mobile Housing Finance Branch at Avenues Mall
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, in cooperation with Eskan Bank, is organising the Mobile Branch Initiative for Housing Finance from Friday, August 1, to Tuesday, August 5. The initiative will operate from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm at The Avenues Mall, at the entrance of Gate 1. Haitham Mohammed Kamal, Director of Communications at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, emphasised that the Mobile Branch for Housing Finance is one of several initiatives launched by the ministry in partnership with Eskan Bank. The aim is to raise awareness among citizens about the different housing finance solutions available, designed as immediate services to enable citizens to obtain suitable housing. The Mobile Branch will provide financial consultations and answer all queries relating to the terms and criteria of various housing finance programmes, directly and in person. Kamal added that this initiative is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance citizens' understanding of housing services and ensure they benefit from them. This follows the organisation of three editions of the Housing Finance Exhibition at City Centre Bahrain, along with the Innovation Summit and Exhibition in Social Housing, as well as earlier roadshows of the Mobile Branch at several shopping centres, all of which saw high engagement from the public. The ministry also continues to hold informative lectures about the available financing options in various governorates across the Kingdom. Khalid Ahmed Al Khaja, Senior Manager of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Eskan Bank, said that by participating in this initiative, the Bank will provide consultations to citizens and offer tailored solutions to help them choose an appropriate type of finance. Citizens will also be introduced to housing finance programmes offered by participating banks through the digital Baity platform. Eskan Bank will also showcase current social housing projects being developed under the Government Land Rights Development Programme for the benefit of eligible financing applicants. Al Khaja highlighted that the Baity platform would be available to visitors, offering a range of online services, including booking housing units and completing required procedures quickly and conveniently, all within one integrated platform in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. He further noted that the Mobile Branch allows visitors to explore a variety of property options in line with the Tas'heel Plus and Tas'heel programmes, as well as the updated Mazaya category. These include villas, plots, and apartments dispersed throughout all of Bahrain's governorates. The digital platform offers flexibility and detailed information about available properties, with advanced visual display technologies provided by participating companies. BNA(R)


Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Mobile Housing Finance Branch to Tour Avenues Mall Starting August 1
Citizens to get instant advice on home financing options The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, in cooperation with Eskan Bank, is launching a new initiative — a Mobile Housing Finance Branch — to offer citizens instant consultations and information about housing finance services. The initiative will run from Friday, August 1 to Wednesday, August 6, at The Avenues Mall, Gate 1, operating daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.. Mr. Haitham Mohammed Kamal, Director of Communications at the Ministry, explained that the mobile branch is part of ongoing efforts to bring housing services closer to the public. 'It's designed to help citizens better understand housing finance options available to them and to answer questions about eligibility, terms, and conditions — all on the spot,' he said. This comes as part of the Ministry's broader campaign to raise awareness about housing services. Past events include housing finance exhibitions at City Centre Bahrain, a conference on innovation in social housing, and similar mobile initiatives in various shopping centers. These efforts, Mr. Kamal said, have been met with strong public engagement. Also speaking about the event, Mr. Khalid Ahmed Al Khaja, Senior Manager of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Eskan Bank, said the bank will be offering personalized consultations to help visitors choose the most suitable financing options. 'We'll also introduce visitors to our digital home financing tool — Bayti Calculator — and showcase ongoing social housing projects under the Government Land Development Rights Program,' he noted. Eskan Bank's Bayti real estate platform will also be available on-site, allowing citizens to explore services such as booking housing units and completing application procedures digitally and conveniently — all in one place. Visitors to the mobile branch will have access to a wide range of housing options, including units, land plots, and apartments available across Bahrain. These options fall under various government-supported housing programs, such as Tasaheel, Tasaheel+, and the newly updated Mazaya program. Advanced digital tools will also be used to display properties in an interactive and user-friendly format. The initiative reflects Bahrain's commitment to making housing support more accessible, convenient, and efficient for citizens.


Times of Oman
7 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Survey conducted on social housing programme services in Oman
Muscat: The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, conducted a public opinion survey on social housing programme services in the Sultanate of Oman. The survey was conducted from 20-24 July 2025. This survey is part of the NCSI's efforts to support government entities with accurate and reliable data essential for decision-making. By conducting such surveys, policymakers can better understand the reality of services and citizens' aspirations, leading to improved, evidence-based government decisions. Mahfoudh Salim Al Musharfi, Director of the Public Opinion Measurement Department at the NCSI, affirmed that the survey aimed to evaluate the current status of social housing programs and measure citizens' satisfaction with construction quality, designs, and contractors. It also sought to assess the efficiency of public facilities and services within social housing projects. Furthermore, the survey aimed to identify challenges faced by citizens during the application and post-benefit stages, anticipate their future aspirations regarding location and area, link housing with essential services, and assess the suitability of eligibility and distribution criteria to their needs. He clarified that the survey targeted three categories of citizens across various governorates of Oman: those benefiting from the housing assistance program, those eligible for this program, and those benefiting from the housing units program. He noted that specific questionnaires were used for each targeted category.


Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
MoHUP pavilion highlights the future of urban life
Muscat: In a unique initiative that blends visionary planning with public engagement, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) inaugurated its 'Future Cities' exhibition pavilion at the Oman Across Ages Museum. The exhibit, which will run from July through September 2025, is part of the ministry's broader mission to raise public awareness about Oman's urban development vision and sustainable planning goals. The pavilion offers an immersive experience for visitors, highlighting key strategic projects that embody the future of urban life in the Sultanate of Oman. These initiatives reflect Oman's commitment to building modern, inclusive and smart cities based on the principles of sustainability, quality of life and urban integration. At the heart of the exhibition lies Sultan Haitham City, the country's first integrated and sustainable next-generation city. Designed with cutting-edge infrastructure and intelligent systems, the city aims to provide a high quality of life through walkable neighbourhoods, green spaces and comprehensive services. This landmark project exemplifies the Oman's shift towards building future-ready cities and reflects the vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for a society that balances economic prosperity with environmental responsibility and human well-being. Beyond Sultan Haitham City, the pavilion showcases a diverse array of strategic projects derived from Oman's National Urban Development Strategy. Among them is the Highland City project, an innovative model for sustainable mountain development that combines natural topography with advanced residential and tourism solutions. The pavilion also features Al Thuraya City — a futuristic smart city development located in the heart of Muscat. With its global investment outlook and sustainable design, the project demonstrates Oman's ambition to become a leader in smart urbanism. Another highlight is the Central Al Khuwair Master Plan, which reimagines a dynamic, mixed-use urban core in Muscat. Meanwhile, in the south, the Future Salalah City is presented as a landmark coastal development in Dhofar Governorate, designed to harmonise with the region's rich ecological and cultural identity. The exhibition also shines a spotlight on the Sorouh initiative — a national programme aimed at delivering integrated residential neighbourhoods that meet the evolving housing needs of Oman's population. These communities are designed with a focus on sustainability, affordability and livability, offering diverse housing solutions tailored to different social segments. One of the exhibition's special features includes a display of the Royal Directives issued by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, which have significantly influenced the trajectory of Oman's urban development efforts. These endorsements mark pivotal moments in shaping cities that reflect the nation's aspirations for innovation, inclusivity and sustainability. On the sidelines of the inauguration, a prize draw was held for attendees of the Oman Real Estate Conference and the 20th edition of the Design and Build Week. The prizes — ranging from apartments and plots in Sultan Haitham City and Sorouh neighbourhoods to luxury cars and exclusive home furnishing packages — were aimed at stimulating public interest and investment in Oman's evolving housing sector. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to invigorate the real estate market while encouraging citizens to explore integrated housing options that combine quality construction, comprehensive services and a modern community ethos.