The 33rd session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Housing and Reconstruction began today in Riyadh, chaired by Minister of Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, to discuss the importance of strengthening partnerships and enhancing cooperation in the housing sector in order to meet the aspirations of citizens in Arab countries and to develop and regulate the sector.
For his part,Housing Minister Majid Al-Hogail emphasized in his opening remarks at the meeting, held at the Raffles Kempinski Hotel in Riyadh, that this session is part of a series of previous sessions aimed at deepening the bonds of fruitful and constructive cooperation among Arab countries united by Islam and Arab identity, noting that adequate housing is one of the top priorities for all peoples.
The minister reviewed the efforts of governments and the steps they are taking to address and mitigate the housing crisis, emphasizing that Arab countries" focus on housing reflects their concern for and appreciation of their citizens, as well as their commitment to ensuring their comfort and stability to the greatest extent possible.
He said: In the Kingdom, this commitment began with the founding of this noble nation by King Abdulaziz Al Saud—may God have mercy on him—who laid the first foundations for settling the Bedouin in the hajr and providing them with suitable housing more than eighty years ago. Today, these hajr have become villages andthriving, densely populated villages with access to all services. and during this auspicious era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud—may God preserve him—housing projects and contracts signed by the Ministry with numerous local, Arab, and international companies to benefit from their expertise in this field."
The Minister of Housing noted that the Council’s agenda for this session includes numerous housing topics and issues of concern to citizens of Arab countries, as discussions will focus on Arab cooperation with regional blocs and countries in the field of housing and reconstruction, and the importance of such cooperation in developing capabilities and expertise, which will positively impact the growth of this vital sector, Furthermore, the adoption of the Arab Strategy for Housing and Sustainable Urban Development will bolster efforts toward sustainable urban development in the Arab region. He called for the rapid preparation of a proposal for the strategy’s implementation plan and for its promotion through the media.
The Minister of Housing noted that cooperation with relevant Arab, regional, and international organizations and Arab federations presents a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and proposals, enrich expertise, and contribute to the advancement of housing achievements, noting that the 33rd session of the Arab Housing Council is discussing methods of real estate financing and the exchange of information among Arab countries regarding pioneering housing projects to benefit from their experiences and assess their practical applicability, Furthermore, the management and maintenance of shared residential complexes is an important factor that helps foster a culture of coexistence and mutual cooperation.
In conclusion, Minister Al-Hogail expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and His Royal Highness the Deputy Crown Prince—may God protect them—for their approval of the Kingdom’s hosting of the current session.
The session’s agenda included a review of the items whose implementation was followed up by the Council’s Executive Office at its 81st meeting, including methods for managing and maintaining shared residential complexes, the celebration of Arab Housing Day, updates on the website of the Council of Arab Ministers of Housing and Urban Development, the design of a database and information system to advance the Council’s objectives, follow-up on the implementation of the resolutions of the Arab Economic, Development, and Social Summit regarding housing, cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), Arab cooperation with regional groups and foreign countries in the field of housing and reconstruction, and the Arab Strategy for Housing and Sustainable Urban Development.
