Bahrain: Shura Council Set to Back Tougher Anti‑Financial Crime Law

Gulf Digital News, 9 January 2026: Bahrain is preparing to strengthen its legal framework against money laundering and terrorism financing as the Shura Council moves to approve significant amendments to the kingdom’s anti‑financial crime legislation.

The Shura Council is expected to approve new amendments to its principal anti‑financial crime law during its upcoming 11 January session, according to the council’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee. The amendments, set out in Bahrain Decree‑Law No. 36/2025, overhaul provisions of Bahraini Laws on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (Bahrain Decree-Law No. 4/2001). The revision is driven by urgent national and international commitments designed to ensure stronger compliance with global financial‑crime standards.

The enhanced framework aims to combat illicit financial flows by modernising regulatory tools, increasing oversight mechanisms, and aligning the kingdom’s obligations with evolving international counter‑terrorism financing requirements.

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Bahrain: MPs Set to Debate New Corporate Tax Draft Law

Gulf Digital News, 6 January 2026: Bahraini lawmakers are preparing to debate a new 61‑article corporate tax draft law after it was formally referred to Parliament for discussion.

Members of Parliament in Bahrain are scheduled to open discussions on a major proposed corporate tax law during today’s parliamentary session. The legislation, comprising 61 articles, was referred to Parliament by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The bill introduces a comprehensive framework for taxing corporate income and business activities, marking one of the most significant fiscal reforms the Kingdom has seen in recent years.

The proposed law aims to establish a structured and transparent approach to corporate taxation, signalling a shift towards modernised fiscal governance. While full details of the framework are still to be debated, the legislation is expected to set out the scope of taxable activities, compliance requirements, and obligations for businesses operating in Bahrain.

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Bahrain: Anti-Corruption Cooperation Law Ratified Under OIC Framework

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 23 December 2025: Bahrain has enacted a new law, ratifying the Makkah Al Mukarramah Convention on Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation, reinforcing its commitment to regional efforts against corruption.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has approved Bahrain Law No. 43/2025 following its passage by the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives. The law, which came into effect immediately after publication in the Official Gazette, formalises Bahrain’s adherence to the Makkah Al Mukarramah Convention—a multilateral agreement among Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states aimed at enhancing collaboration in combating corruption.

Officials say the move underscores Bahrain’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and international cooperation in tackling financial crimes and promoting good governance.

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Bahrain: Shura Council Rejects Bill to Cap Foreign Work Permits

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 15 December 2025: Bahrain’s Shura Council has unanimously voted against a proposal to impose fixed limits on foreign work permits, opting to preserve flexibility in labour market regulation.

The Shura Council rejected a bill that would have required the national labour market plan to include a mandatory ceiling on work permits issued by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). The proposal, previously approved by Parliament, sought to replace the current discretionary wording with a binding obligation.

The Services Committee, supported by the government, LMRA, and the Ministry of Labour, argued that the amendment would restrict the authority’s ability to respond to economic fluctuations and labour shortages. Members warned that rigid caps could deter investment, reduce market adaptability, and encourage unlawful recruitment practices.

Officials emphasised that the existing framework already allows ceilings to be introduced through executive decisions when necessary, while maintaining flexibility to adjust policies in line with demand. Following the debate, the Shura Council returned the bill to Parliament for reconsideration, reaffirming Bahrain’s commitment to a dynamic labour market approach.

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Bahrain: Introduces New Rules for Real Estate Management and Anti-Money Laundering

Bahrain: Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has implemented new regulations governing shared property management and anti-money laundering measures in the kingdom’s real estate sector.

The framework introduces an alternative to mandatory homeowners’ associations for future real estate projects, establishing specific legal and administrative requirements for the operation of shared facilities. The measures outline procedures for managing common areas while maintaining property rights for all parties involved.

Additionally, RERA has launched new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations for real estate brokers. The requirements include risk assessment protocols, identification procedures for public figures and beneficial owners, and mandatory record-keeping practices.

The regulations specify procedures for internal controls and suspicious transaction reporting, while incorporating confidentiality measures for licensed entities.

The authority has established clear guidelines for both property management and financial compliance, creating standardised procedures for Bahrain’s real estate sector.

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Bahrain: New Secured Transactions Law

Bahrain Daily Tribune. 1 December 2025: A 60 Article law will allow Bahraini businesses to use receivables, stock or other moveable assets as pan collaterial.

The new law has now been approved by shura councillors. The change is expected to cut borrowing costs for small and medium sized companies and improve Bahrain’s score on the World Bank’s New Business Readiness Index. The council backed the bill in full and it is expected to face a formal vote at the next sitting. The law is attached to Bahrain Decree No. 11/2025 and has already cleared Parliament.

It creates a single system for security rights over moveable property supported by an electronic notice register which will record and enforce these rights, as well as arranging the priorities between creditors. Companies will be able to keep using assets that they have pleaded.

The law will also let secured creditors enforce against collateral outside court in cases of default.

Further detail on how the system will operate will be detailed in the executive regulations.

The new register will allow both sides to have a clear view of existing pledges.

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Bahrain: New Anti-Money Laundering Rules Introduced for Charities

The Daily Tribune, 19 November 2025: Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development has implemented new regulations through Bahrain Decision No. 78/2025, requiring licensed charitable organisations to appoint compliance officers as part of enhanced financial monitoring measures.

Under the new requirements, all entities licensed to raise funds for charitable, social, educational, or cultural purposes must designate dedicated compliance officers. These officers will be responsible for ensuring adherence to anti-money laundering laws and monitoring fund transfers.

The regulations mandate that compliance officers verify donation proceeds are used solely for ministry-approved purposes. They must also conduct screening procedures against sanctions and terrorism lists, covering board members, founders, and employees of charitable organisations.

The ministry confirmed that the regulations apply to all legal entities that have received official permission to collect public donations or have been notified of ministry consent for fundraising activities. The new measures set out detailed procedural requirements for maintaining financial compliance within the charitable sector.

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Bahrain: Cabinet Approves New Trade and Property Initiatives

Mubasher, 17 November 2025: Bahrain’s Cabinet has approved several new measures to regulate trade and property sectors.

The Cabinet endorsed amendments to the Penal Code and the Rehabilitation and Correctional Institutions Law to regulate inmate employment programmes.

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