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5/26/25, 4:27 PM UAE participates in meeting of GCC Housing Ministers in Kuwait – The Gulf Time Newspaper
UAE participates in meeting of GCC Housing Ministers in Kuwait

KUWAIT / WAM

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, led the UAE delegation participating in the
23rd meeting of GCC Housing Ministers, held in Kuwait.
During his participation, Al Mazrouei emphasised the UAE leadership’s commitment to supporting and
strengthening joint Gulf cooperation, particularly in the housing sector, considering it a fundamental pillar for
achieving social stability and sustainable development. He commended the progress achieved in GCC countries
within this vital field and reaffirmed the UAE’s aspiration to maintain coordination and support for initiatives that
enhance quality of life and promote integrated urban development.
Al Mazrouei said, “The leadership of the UAE places the housing sector at the highest priority, as it is one of the
key strategic pillars for enhancing quality of life and ensuring family and social stability. The country continues to
develop innovative housing programmes and initiatives that meet citizens’ needs in accordance with the highest
standards of quality and sustainability, in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031′ vision.”
He further emphasised that the UAE’s housing efforts are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals, particularly Goal 11: “Sustainable Cities and Communities”, through the provision of safe,
affordable housing supported by sustainable infrastructure.
Al Mazrouei also highlighted that national housing projects in the UAE embrace principles of the green economy,
smart building technologies, and energy and water efficiency. These efforts strengthen the country’s capacity to
address climate challenges and promote long-term sustainability for future generations.
On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, the winning projects of the GCC Housing Award (6th Cycle, 2024–
2025) were announced. This cycle focused on ‘Digital/Smart Applications and Technologies in Housing Projects
and Programmes’. The UAE secured second place for its “Manzili Bundle”, an innovative model offering integrated
housing services.
Prior to the Ministerial Meeting, the 26th meeting of senior housing officials of the GCC countries took place. The
meeting focused on highlighting areas of technical cooperation and experience sharing in developing housing
policies and achieving sustainable urban development.
Eng. Mohamed Al Mansouri, Director-General of Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, led the UAE delegation
participating in this meeting. He emphasised that the UAE continues its leading role in supporting Gulf integration
and forging effective partnerships that drive progress and help build sustainable cities.
Al Mansoori highlighted the UAE’s experience in the housing sector, affirming that the Sheikh Zayed Housing
Programme is one of the region’s leading models. Since its establishment, the programme has successfully met
thousands of housing requests and contributed to empowering Emirati families to own suitable homes that provide
them with stability.
Also, on the sidelines of the Third GCC Housing Week, the GCC Housing Hackathon, a competition specially
designed for GCC university students, was organised. The hackathon aimed to encourage innovation and creative
thinking among youth in the field of housing and urban planning.
Students from the United Arab Emirates University, University of Sharjah, and Ajman University participated in the
event. They presented innovative projects aligned with smart city trends, contributing to the development of
creative solutions for future challenges in the housing sector.
The UAE delegation included high-level representatives of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, represented
by Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing
Establishment, and the Department of Housing in Sharjah.
The delegation took part in the sessions and accompanying events of the meeting, which featured presentations of
member states’ experiences and discussions on future challenges and opportunities in the Gulf housing sector.

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