Bahrain: Parliament Approves Major Media Law Reform

The Daily Tribune, 26 October 2025: Bahrain’s Shura Council has approved a comprehensive new Press and Media Law.

The legislative introduced several significant changes to existing media regulations. A key reform removes prison sentences for publication-related offences, replacing them with financial penalties.

The new law establishes regulatory frameworks for digital and electronic media platforms, addressing modern communication channels previously not covered by existing legislation. It also implements enhanced legal protections for working journalists.

Once ratified by the King, the law will replace previous media regulations, introducing updated standards for both traditional and digital media operations. The legislation addresses contemporary media practices while maintaining professional standards for the industry.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Bahrain: Introduces New Regulatory Framework for Stablecoins

The Daily Tribune, 21 October 2025: The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has implemented new regulations for cash-backed stablecoins through its Stablecoin Issuance and Offering Module, establishing strict requirements for stablecoin operators, including mandatory 1:1 cash reserves and full liquidity provisions.

Under the new rules, stablecoins must be backed by recognised central bank currencies, such as the US dollar or Bahraini dinar, and will be subject to CBB supervision. The regulations also set comprehensive standards for governance, compliance, and financial disclosure, with direct redemption requirements for token holders.

The regulatory development comes as Bahrain engages in discussions with more than 50 financial and investment firms, many specialising in cryptocurrency operations. Earlier this year, the central bank granted its first Category 3 licence for digital asset trading, enabling services including brokerage, custody, storage, and crypto infrastructure.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Bahrain: Introduces Strict New Building Controls with Maximum Fines

The Daily Tribune, 12 October 2025: Bahrain’s Parliament is considering sweeping new construction legislation that would give municipalities unprecedented enforcement powers and introduce fines of up to BD50,000 for building violations.

The draft law introduces immediate stop-work authority for municipal officers when safety risks are identified. Officials would be empowered to halt construction, demolish unsafe structures, and close hazardous buildings without prior court approval.

Under the proposed rules, all construction projects must obtain municipal permits before work begins, though minor works may be exempt with advance notice. Licensed engineering offices must oversee all major developments, with large projects requiring on-site resident engineers. Also strict compliance with approved designs and safety standards and comprehensive accessibility provisions for disabled persons.

The legislation establishes a streamlined permit system through municipal ‘one-stop shops’ where applicants can secure all necessary approvals within fixed timeframes. Private sector firms may be authorised to handle permit processing, inspections, and certification services, with costs borne by applicants.

Municipal officers would gain authority to conduct both external and internal building inspections, with the option to obtain judicial warrants if access is refused.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Bahrain: Implements New SMS Anti-Fraud Measures

The Daily Tribune, 6 October 2025: The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Bahrain has introduced new guidelines to combat SMS fraud, developed in collaboration with the country’s mobile operators.

The regulations establish specific technical requirements for detecting fraudulent messages, blocking suspicious SMS traffic, implementing reporting mechanisms and ensuring compliance with data protection laws.

Under the new framework, mobile operators must follow prescribed procedures for identifying and preventing fraudulent messages from reaching consumers. The guidelines also outline protocols for public reporting of suspected scams.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Bahrain: Introduces Strict Penalties for False Building Permit Applications

Al Watan News, 28 September 2025: The Bahraini government has introduced new legislation outlined in Bahrain Decree No. 53/2025, imposing severe penalties for submitting false information in building permit applications.

Under the new regulations, individuals who provide false information, use illegal methods to obtain permits, obstruct ministry inspectors, or withhold required documentation will face criminal charges. The law also applies to those who commence construction without proper permits or violate existing permits.

The law requires all construction projects to be supervised by an approved engineering office, with large-scale projects requiring a full-time engineer on site. It mandates compliance with approved designs and safety measures, including provisions for disabled access.

The legislation establishes a comprehensive inspection and monitoring system, with authorities empowered to conduct both internal and external building inspections. Court orders can be obtained to access properties where entry is refused.

For the full story, click here.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Bahrain: Strengthens Corporate Governance with New Legal Amendments

Al Bilad Press, 12 September 2025: Bahrain has introduced significant amendments to its Commercial Companies Law (Bahrain Decree-Law No. 21/2001), expanding personal liability for company executives and directors.

The key amendment to Article 18 of Bahrain Decree-Law No. 21/2001 extends personal liability to both visible and hidden company managers. Under the new provisions, directors, board members, and actual managers of shareholding companies and limited liability companies will be personally liable with their private assets for damages affecting the company, shareholders, partners, or third parties.

The revised law specifically addresses responsibility in cases of negligence, gross error, or violations of company laws and articles of association. Notably, the amendments establish that liability cannot be avoided even if violations result from board or general assembly decisions, unless the individual formally objected and recorded their opposition in meeting minutes.

The legislation introduces joint and collective responsibility in cases involving multiple violators. Absence from meetings where damaging decisions were made does not exempt individuals from liability unless they can prove they were unaware of the decision or unable to object.

For the full story, click here.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Bahrain: Strengthens Financial Penalties in Central Bank Law Amendment

The Daily Tribune, 8 September 2025: Bahrain has issued significant changes to its banking legislation through a new royal decree that substantially increases penalties for violations of financial regulations.

The amendment, issued as Bahrain Decree-Law No. 37/2025, specifically revises Article 161 of Bahrain Law No. 1/2006 the Central Bank and Financial Institutions Law.

Under the modified legislation, offenders who breach Articles 40 and 41, or associated regulations under Article 42, now face imprisonment and/or fines of up to one million Bahraini dinars.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Bahrain: Tamkeen Launches Updated Regulatory Framework for Training Programmes

Bahrain News Agency, 24 August 2025: The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) launched an updated regulatory framework for training programmes aimed at improving their impact and outcomes. In line with this, Tamkeen also completed its periodic review of several training programmes that support obtaining professional certificates across various specialities.

The revised regulatory framework now incorporates procedures and controls that assess how training programmes benefit their participants. This involves regular evaluations of training initiatives to ensure they are consistent with Tamkeen’s key strategic objectives, paired with follow-up measures to determine how the programmes contribute to participants’ career development.

In the most recent review, certificates were scrutinised thoroughly. As a result, 20 certificates were removed, and support criteria, along with requirements for six additional certificates, were modified. This reform is designed to better align the training programmes with Tamkeen’s strategy of enhancing national talent skills, boosting employment prospects in the labour market, and supporting entrepreneurial ventures.

Tamkeen remains committed to tracking the impact of its training programmes by maintaining regular communication with participants. This ongoing engagement allows them to monitor the trainees’ progress during and after the courses, and multiple follow-up procedures are in place to maintain training quality.

Throughout the year, training providers conducted over 30 inspections, and more than 400 beneficiaries were contacted. These efforts aimed to evaluate the programmes’ contributions to professional development, gather participant feedback, and monitor career advancements and job placements through cooperation with relevant entities.

This initiative is in line with Tamkeen’s strategic vision for 2025, which targets improving the standing and competitiveness of Bahraini professionals in the private sector, ensuring they acquire the skills necessary for career advancement, and prioritising business growth, digital transformation, and sustainability.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Bahrain: Introduces Tougher Penalties for Penal Code

The Daily Tribune, 19 August 2025: Bahrain has issued new legislation substantially increasing penalties for deaths and injuries caused by negligence, with prison sentences now reaching up to 10 years for the most serious cases.

The amendments, introduced through Bahrain Law No. 31/2025, establish a graduated system of punishments under the country’s Penal Code. Standard cases of fatal negligence will now attract prison terms of two to five years or fines between 2,000 and 6,000 Bahraini Dinars.

The reforms create particularly severe sanctions for professional negligence, cases involving intoxication, or instances where perpetrators fail to assist victims. Multiple fatalities can result in seven-year prison terms and fines up to 10,000 Dinars, with sentences potentially extending to 10 years in aggravated circumstances.

For non-fatal injuries, the law now prescribes up to one year’s imprisonment or fines reaching 200 Dinars for basic offences. Cases involving permanent injury or professional negligence face increased penalties of one to five years’ imprisonment or fines up to 8,000 Dinars.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.