Manama, Bahrain— Bahrain and Slovakia are looking to ramp up the ongoing cooperation in urban planning and sustainable development.
In this regard, Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Khayat, Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA), stressed the need to exchange expertise and technologies in the field of urban development.
He stressed the importance of being informed about global experiences and expertise that provide the urban planning sector with the best practices in order to develop integrated urban plans in line with the data of the National Strategic Structural Plan of the Kingdom.
Al Khayat was speaking while receiving a Slovak delegation, led by Martin Hypky, Head of Spatial Planning and Construction Authority, currently on a visit to the kingdom to exchange expertise and practices in the field of sustainable urban planning.
He gave a presentation about UPDA’s role in overseeing the general policy of sustainable urban planning in the kingdom, in addition to its efforts in implementing mega development projects, to achieve the ten strategies of the National Strategic Structural Plan, as well as preparing the preliminary designs of the five new cities, in addition to the project to update regulatory requirements for urbanization,
He also highlighted the importance of the electronic services delivered by the UPDA, as part of its efforts to improve the quality of government services.
Al Khayat and the Slovak delegation toured the Diyar Al-Muharraq Projects, which is among the kingdom’s mega development projects. It was the outcome of cooperation between the government and the private sector.
The project, whose master plan was designed and approved by the UPDA, represents an integrated community. It is equipped with vital facilities and advanced services that meet all the needs of its residents.
The project reflects the investor-friendly environment provided by the kingdom, contributing to the competitive potential of its real estate sector.
On arrival, the delegation was welcomed by Ahmed Alammadi, the Chief Executive Officer at Diyar Al Muharraq, who briefed them on the project, including its residential and commercial projects, in addition to its waterfronts that represent commercial investment opportunities.
Members of the delegation were informed about models of residential villas included in the Al-Bareh and Al-Naseem projects. They also visited Souq (Market) Al Baraha, which provides a unique shopping experience for residents and visitors, thanks to its authentic traditional Bahraini architecture reflecting the national identity.
The visiting delegation appreciated the warm welcome accorded to them, adding that they are looking forward to enhancing the fruitful cooperation between the two countries.