A standard building code for the Gulf states will be launched by the year-end, said a report.

Various ministerial committees and agencies concerned with housing will be consulted before the unified code is finalised for launch, reported The Peninsula citing Qatar's Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.

Abdullah Saleh Mubarak Al Khulaifi was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of GCC housing ministers.

According to experts, the code will be based on international best practices and focus on safety and sustainable development. It will take into consideration environmental needs of the region, its topography and Arab and Islamic architecture.

In Qatar, the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning, Ashghal (Public Works Authority) and Specifications and Standards Authority will be consulted on the draft of the code, stated Al Khulaifi, whose ministry is also in charge of housing affairs.

Meanwhile, Kuwait News Agency (Kuna) reported that the code will be unveiled on December 28 in Doha, Qatar, with the participation of GCC housing ministers.

The launch will include the first edition of six codes, its stated, citing a senior Kuwaiti government official.

According to Kuna, the code will help provide safe and reasonably comfortable buildings and houses for people.

The ministerial meeting also discussed housing information rules and database for the region and a website.