-  The Deputy Ministers Responsible for Housing Affairs in GCC Countries hold their 24th meeting in the Sultanate of Oman.

The 24th meeting of the Deputy Ministers Responsible for Housing Affairs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries took place in Muscat. The meeting discussed several topics on the agenda, including the memorandum of the GCC Housing Action Plan prepared by the Secretariat General, which included decisions related to the housing sector. These decisions included approving the sustainability guide for housing in the GCC countries and the modern construction techniques guide, as well as approving the Joint GCC Housing Action Plan for the years 2024-2030. The meeting also discussed the Secretariat General’s memorandum regarding housing information databases.

Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al-Tawil, the Deputy Minister for Residential Supply Stimulus and Real Estate Development, headed the Kingdom's delegation at the meeting, which was held concurrently with the events of “Urban October – The First Gulf Housing Week” conference hosted by the Sultanate of Oman from October 29th to 31st. The agenda of the deputy ministers included discussions on the joint housing work strategy to improve the quality of housing, establish housing information systems, and the housing financing system, in preparation for presenting recommendations to the 21st meeting of Housing Ministers in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for the approval of appropriate recommendations.

The meeting also covered updates on the GCC Housing Award for 2023 and the nominations submitted by member states. Additionally, discussions took place regarding the Unified General Rules for Property Owners, as well as specialized conferences and workshops in the field of housing in the GCC countries. The meeting also discussed the Secretariat General's proposal regarding the Second Gulf Housing Week conference, which is scheduled to be held in 2025.

The participants emphasized the importance of continuing participation in regional and international activities and meetings related to the housing field to highlight Gulf housing efforts. They also discussed activating the mechanism for exchanging experts and specialists in the housing sector among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Additionally, the meeting discussed the Secretariat General's proposal to sign agreements with specialized organizations that serve the housing sector.

It is worth mentioning that the Sultanate of Oman is hosting “Urban October – The First Gulf Housing Week” conference, and accompanying events from October 29th to 31st. More than 2,000 experts and specialists in the housing sector, as well as 35 universities, are participating. The Ministry of Municipal Rural Affairs and Housing showcases the Kingdom's successful experiences in various urban sectors during the conference sessions, including urban renewal and its impact on economic activities, the role of housing development and cooperative associations in providing housing for citizens, and developmental housing projects. Furthermore, the National Urban Observatory's experience is highlighted in enabling sustainable urban development, enhancing local urban monitoring, urban and spatial planning, and activating partnerships with the private sector in housing projects.