Bahrain opened its national pavilion at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan, on May 20, 2026. The forum, organized by UN-Habitat, is a global gathering focused on sustainable urbanization. This year, WUF13 is addressing the critical theme of "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities." Bahrain's participation shows its commitment to showcasing its urban development initiatives and digital housing solutions on an international stage. The kingdom's delegation will present its strategies for creating livable and sustainable urban environments, aligning with the forum's overarching goals for global urban progress. This engagement provides a valuable platform for Bahrain to share its innovative approaches and learn from international best practices in urban planning and development. The event serves as a key opportunity for the Kingdom to demonstrate its progress and vision for future urban sustainability.
Global Forum Notes
The World Urban Forum in Baku convened over 28,000 participants from 172 countries. The global gathering, focused on sustainable urbanization, was inaugurated with the presence of Ilham Aliyev. Attendees included government officials, urban planners, academics, and representatives from civil society organizations, all contributing to discussions on urban development and housing challenges. The diverse participation notes the universal relevance of the forum's theme, "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities," which addresses pressing issues faced by urban centers globally. Discussions at WUF13 cover a wide array of topics, from climate-resilient infrastructure to affordable housing solutions and the integration of technology in urban management. The forum's structure encourages cross-sector collaboration and the sharing of innovative policies and projects aimed at fostering more inclusive and sustainable cities.
Bahrain's Urban Initiatives
Bahrain's national pavilion at the 13th World Urban Forum prominently features the "Muharraq Development Project," a key initiative in the kingdom's urban planning efforts. The project aims to enhance the urban landscape and infrastructure of Muharraq, reflecting Bahrain's strategic approach to sustainable city development. This focus aligns with the forum's broader discussions on creating resilient urban environments capable of meeting future challenges. The Muharraq Development Project exemplifies how Bahrain is investing in full urban regeneration, balancing historical preservation with modern infrastructure needs to create vibrant and functional communities. It demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to urban planning that considers both economic growth and social well-being.
The pavilion also notes the digitisation of housing services through the "Bayti" platform. This digital solution represents Bahrain's commitment to leveraging technology to streamline processes and improve access to essential services for its citizens. The "Bayti" platform demonstrates how digital transformation is being applied to address housing needs, offering a modern approach to managing urban development and citizen engagement. This technological advancement significantly enhances transparency and efficiency in housing transactions and services, making it easier for residents to access information and support. The platform is a testament to Bahrain's drive towards a smart government, utilizing digital tools to improve public services and urban living standards.
A further focus of Bahrain's display is the expansion of the Government Land Development Rights Programme. This program is designed to facilitate urban growth and provide housing solutions by strategically utilizing government-owned land. Its expansion signifies an ongoing effort to increase the availability of land for development, supporting both residential and urban infrastructure projects across the kingdom. This initiative is key for meeting the growing demand for housing and ensuring equitable access to land for various development purposes. By optimizing the use of government land, Bahrain aims to foster sustainable urban expansion and create well-planned communities that cater to the needs of its population.
Ministerial Perspective on Collaboration
Amina bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Bahrain’s Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, participated in the opening of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku. The Minister emphasized the forum's significance, stating, "The forum serves as a key global platform to exchange expertise and develop innovative solutions to housing challenges, aligning with Bahrain’s economic vision and national development programmes." Her presence showed Bahrain's dedication to engaging with the international community on critical urban issues.
Minister Al Rumaihi further noted that "this year’s edition carries particular importance as it represents one of the leading international platforms shaping the future of cities and aligning housing policies with the New Urban Agenda." She added that "the forum’s theme aligns closely with Bahrain’s priorities of building sustainable and resilient urban communities." The Minister also noted the practical benefits of Bahrain's presence at the event, explaining that "the pavilion provides an opportunity to exchange best practices with global policymakers and urban experts gathered at the forum." This exchange is vital for fostering international cooperation and incorporating advanced urban strategies into Bahrain's national development plans.
