UPDA unveils new infrastructure rules set to enhance Real Estate Development

Manama, The Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), the Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB), and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), held a press conference to announce a new infrastructure implementation mechanism for major subdivision plans. Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Khayyat, CEO of the UPDA, unveiled the new approach, designed to streamline procedures for the real estate sector and enhance competitiveness. Al Khayyat explained that this mechanism aligns with ongoing efforts to advance the real estate sector in support of Bahrain's comprehensive development process under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the continuous support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The new approach is intended to create a more attractive investment environment by ensuring that subdivision plans come with fully developed infrast ructure, allowing beneficiaries to immediately utilise ready-to-build plots. He also highlighted the close oversight of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Development and Infrastructure Projects, in ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector. The new mechanism aims to promote fairness and transparency by enhancing infrastructure oversight and execution, fostering public-private partnerships, and supporting balanced urban development strategies in line with best practices. The mechanism requires landowners to provide infrastructure through contracts with certified engineering offices and contractors. It also allows landowners the option to sell portions of their subdivided land to fund infrastructure development, which will then be handed over to the government for supervision, enabling the owner to freely trade the subdivided properties. Al Khayyat further noted that the mechanism was developed in response to the nee ds of the real estate sector and is designed to follow best practices. Landowners can apply for subdivision through Takhteet platform, and if the land is in an area with existing infrastructure, they can proceed with subdivision, provided they ensure the internal infrastructure is in place. The authority conducted workshops with consultants, developers, and stakeholders to introduce the new mechanism and gather feedback, simplifying procedures and offering multiple options for landowners. Additionally, a procedural guide was prepared by the Ministry of Works in coordination with the Urban Planning and Development Authority and other relevant bodies. The guide outlines the steps for landowners to follow in implementing infrastructure, including necessary agreements and a list of approved contractors and consultants. The UPDA will organise workshops for those interested in the new mechanism, which will be announced on their Instagram account @Bahrainupda. Source : Bahrain News Agency