Bahrain: Housing Ministry Launches Proactive Ownership Service

Gulf Digital News, 28 April 2026: Bahrain’s Housing and Urban Planning Ministry has upgraded its electronic homeownership service into a proactive digital system, enabling citizens to finalise ownership procedures automatically without submitting applications.

The Ministry confirmed that the service reduces processing time from 60 working days to 20, allowing beneficiaries to complete ownership procedures immediately after settling all instalments. The system now automates the entire process, from completion of the beneficiary period and full payment of the unit value to issuance of the ownership deed.

Minister Amna Al Rumaihi stated that the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to modernise housing services, improve efficiency, and align with government directions to enhance service quality. She noted that the development was based on citizen proposals submitted through various channels, aiming to simplify procedures, eliminate paper transactions, and provide a secure digital environment.

The initiative forms part of the Government Plan 2023–2026, which seeks to deliver flexible and sustainable services, promote innovation, and improve quality of life. The Ministry highlighted that over 1,300 government services have been documented and published, with 800 services under development and re‑engineering, supported by feedback from the Tawasul system, investor input, and mystery shopper evaluations.

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Bahrain: MPs to Vote on Draft Law for Unemployment Insurance Wage Support

Gulf Digital News, 21 April 2026: Bahraini MPs are set to vote today on a draft law that would provide wage coverage for private sector workers in April 2026 from the unemployment insurance fund, with payments capped at the insured salary.

Bahrain’s Parliament confirmed that the draft law will be debated and voted on, with the aim of supporting labour market stability amid current economic conditions.

The Parliamentary Services Committee has recommended approval of the bill, stressing that it seeks to:

• Mitigate the social and economic impacts of the regional situation.
• Ensure the continued payment of wages without infringing on workers’ rights.
• Enhance social protection and prevent crises from escalating into actual unemployment.

The committee also called for extending wage support to cover April, May, and June 2026, with additional assistance directed to the most affected sectors.

Government entities have confirmed that the matter is under review and that an appropriate decision will be taken if the crisis persists.

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Bahrain: Parliament Approves Wage Support for Affected Private Sector Workers

15 April 2026: The Bahrain Parliament has approved an urgent proposal to provide wage support for affected private sector workers for April 2026.

The decision was taken during the twenty-sixth ordinary session and extends support from the unemployment fund to groups whose income has been directly impacted. These include professional fishermen, driving instructors, taxi drivers, and bus operators who rely on daily earnings.

MPs have said the measure responds to income disruption faced by workers during a challenging period, with many experiencing a decline in daily revenues. The proposal provides financial support aimed at helping affected individuals manage immediate economic pressures.

The support applies to specified categories within the private sector whose livelihoods depend on daily activity, ensuring continued income assistance through the unemployment fund framework. It is designed as a targeted relief measure to address short-term financial instability.

This is one of the areas where there are crisis shortages.

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Bahrain: Customs Law Amendments Aim to Streamline Trade Procedures

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 11 April 2026: Bahrain has referred proposed amendments to the GCC Unified Customs Law to Parliament under Bahrain Decree No. 23/2026, seeking to simplify customs procedures and improve trade efficiency.

The draft amendments would ease the transfer of goods between customs points by reducing documentation requirements. Under the proposed new wording of Article 72 of Bahrain Decree No. 23/2026, goods moved from one customs office to another would no longer require a full customs declaration at the point of entry. Instead, transfers would be processed under documents and conditions set by the Director‑General, introducing greater administrative flexibility.

The bill also proposes duty exemptions for imports by the armed forces and security agencies, including equipment and vehicles, subject to official approval. These measures aim to support operational readiness while maintaining regulatory oversight.

The amendments align with decisions of the GCC Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee and will take effect once approved by Parliament and published in the Official Gazette. Authorities stated that the changes are intended to enhance customs efficiency, reduce delays, and facilitate smoother trade flows across GCC borders.

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Bahrain: Crown Prince Backs Full Compensation for Citizens Following Iranian Aggression

6 April 2026: The Bahraini Crown Prince has chaired a Cabinet Meeting at which the implementation of a directive of the King to provide full compensation to citizens whose vehicles or property has been damaged in the hostilities was considered.

The Crown Prince has tasked the Ministerial Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs and Fiscal Balance to assess the economic impact of Iranian aggression and implement appropriate measures to support national employment and economic growth. The committee is to submit a report to the Cabinet on this.

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Bahrain: Shura Panel Moves to Block Companies Law Amendment

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 5 April 2026: Bahrain’s Shura Council is reviewing a proposal to amend Bahrain Decree-Law No. 21/2001 On the Issuance of the Commercial Companies Law, as its Financial and Economic Affairs Committee recommends rejecting the draft over long‑term economic risks.

The Shura Council is examining the report of its Financial and Economic Affairs Committee on a draft law amending Article 264 of Bahrain Decree-Law No. 21/2001. The draft, submitted by the Council of Representatives in an amended form, is currently under consideration.

Committee member Khalid Al‑Maskati said the committee recommended rejecting the amendment, warning that it could impose additional burdens on businesses and weaken Bahrain’s competitiveness. He stressed that the Kingdom’s long‑standing policies to attract investment and build confidence had delivered strong results and should not be undermined.

Al‑Maskati cited Bahrain’s more than 91,000 commercial registrations, dominated by small and medium‑sized enterprises, and noted significant growth in foreign direct investment, including over $2 billion in industrial FDI. He said these gains reflected coordinated legislative and executive efforts and a free, competitive economic environment.

The committee concluded that altering the framework in a way that disrupts this balance could harm the national economy over the long term. It therefore urged rejection of the draft to preserve investment appeal and support sustainable growth.

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Bahrain: Faster Rebuilding Path for Homes Damaged by Fire

7 April 2026: Families in Bahrain which have lost their home in a fire will be able to benefit from humanitarian exceptions to the planning law under proposals.

The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture has given in principle approval for to a proposal by a Northern Municipal Council Member which would allow building permits to be issued for the rebuilding of fire damaged homes even where they would fall under the Cities and Villages Development Project guidelines regulations.

The Ministry has confirmed that administrative and regulatory procedures are now underway to formally integrate the proposal into official guidelines.

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Bahrain: Proposal to Ease Rent

7 April 2026: Five Bahraini MPs have proposed rent relief for Bahraini shopkeepers and factory owners as a result of the economic impact of the Iranian attacks.

The MPs want there to be six month waiver of industrial plot lease fees and shop rents.

It was stated that the move is needed as trade has slowed in some areas while costs have increased.

The MPs have stated the waiver should cover Bahraini owners of factories and industrial establishments, as well as commercial tenants in municipally managed premises, including craft shops and repair workshops.

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