His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underscored that the qualitative initiatives and programmes undertaken by member states across the housing and urban development sectors embody their resolute commitment to ensuring a dignified life for their citizens and building sustainable Gulf communities. He pointed out that the housing sector constitutes a cornerstone of joint Gulf action, enjoying the continuous patronage and support of Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of GCC member states.
His Excellency’s remarks were delivered during the 24th meeting of the Committee of Their Excellencies the Ministers Responsible for Housing Affairs in GCC States, held on Wednesday (30 September 2026) in the Bahraini capital, Manama, chaired by Her Excellency Ms Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning of the Kingdom of Bahrain—Chair of the current session—in the presence of Their Excellencies the Ministers of Housing across GCC member states.
At the outset of his address, His Excellency the Secretary General expressed his utmost thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain—President of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council—for Bahrain’s hosting of the 24th ministerial meeting, and for the facilities and steadfast support extended to ensure the success of GCC initiatives. His Excellency commended the profound care and support devoted to joint Gulf action by His Majesty alongside Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC member states across all fields.
"The high priority accorded to the housing sector is reflected in numerous national and joint initiatives and resolutions, which have significantly advanced the trajectory of joint Gulf housing cooperation and deepened coordination frameworks. Foremost among these was the Supreme Council’s adoption at its 46th session of the Unified Rules for Joint Property Owners in GCC States, marking a major milestone in modernising regulatory frameworks, fostering legislative convergence, and driving joint housing action toward greater integration and efficacy," His Excellency stated.
In the same context, His Excellency underscored the importance of accelerating cooperation and integration among member states, advancing housing policies to meet the evolving needs and aspirations of Gulf citizens, and leveraging modern technologies and innovative solutions to provide more efficient and sustainable housing options.
Furthermore, His Excellency highlighted the distinct national strides across the GCC: the United Arab Emirates (UAE) accelerating housing support and developing integrated residential complexes in partnership with national banks; the Kingdom of Bahrain expanding partnerships with real estate developers and delivering digital housing services; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia empowering families to achieve first-home ownership and activating the real estate balance track to bolster supply; the Sultanate of Oman accelerating the development of smart cities, led by Sultan Haitham City; the State of Qatar enhancing land-use efficiency, streamlining requirements, and securing infrastructure; and the State of Kuwait engaging real estate developers, developing new city infrastructure, and embedding sustainability standards.
Concluding his statement, His Excellency emphasised that these combined endeavours serve as a fundamental pillar for achieving joint Gulf urban development targets and reinforcing the Council's capacity to build a more integrated, resilient, and sustainable housing ecosystem.
