GCC Housing Ministers Joint Housing Action Plan

In the ministerial meeting, which was also attended by GCC Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf and top officials from housing ministries, the participants discussed a relevant joint housing action strategy, focusing on challenges and opportunities in terms of financing, real estate development, and technical construction sustainability. They also discussed the progress of the establishment of a single GCC housing database and highlighted the importance of providing up-to-date statistical data. Al Mazrouei said: "In the UAE, we work according to a comprehensive development perspective based on the cooperation between all relevant authorities, to fulfil the needs of citizens for high-quality government housing by drafting ambitious action plans, to continue the country’s journey of achievements and strengthen its global excellence and leadership over the next fifty years." Al Mazrouei stressed that the UAE, upon the directives of its leadership, is keen to build future smart cities with distinguished facilities, which are based on sustainability, green buildings, and environmentally-friendly solutions. The meeting reiterates the importance of achieving sustainable development and meeting the growing demand for housing caused by continuous population growth, in addition to solving the many challenges faced by the world because of the coronavirus pandemic, which requires a future approach based on a vision to turn challenges into opportunities, he added, noting that the GCC is capable of enduring and overcoming challenges with hard work and joint action. In the meeting, Bahrain's Housing Minister Bassim bin Yaqoob Al Hamer said the kingdom looked forward to hosting the next meeting in 2021. He stressed that the current circumstances require the development of short and long-term plans aimed at preserving the stability of the vital sector.