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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Bahrain: Cabinet Approves New Legislative and Economic Measures

Mubasher, 11 August 2025: The Bahrain Cabinet has approved key initiatives during its weekly meeting.

Among the significant measures endorsed was the approval of the Future Generations Reserve Fund’s annual report and audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2024. The Cabinet also reviewed the consolidated state final account for 2024.

The economic quarterly report for the first quarter of 2025 was presented, showing a 2.7% annual GDP growth at constant prices, with non-oil activities growing by 2.2%.

Other approved measures included: A draft law amendment regarding international trade regulations for endangered species, A visa exemption agreement with Uzbekistan for diplomatic passport holders, Updates to the mechanism for announcing top employers of Bahraini nationals, A property acquisition for public benefit, The government’s legislative plan for 2025 and Modifications to tourism performance indicators for 2025-2026.

The Cabinet also responded to various legislative proposals from both the Parliament and the Shura Council, including one law proposal and 14 recommendations.

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Bahrain: Introduces Specialist Unit for Human Trafficking Victims

The Daily Tribune, 5 August 2025: Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has launched a new dedicated unit to support victims of human trafficking, operating under the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science.

The purpose-built facility features specially designed spaces for victim testimonies, including a separate area for children. The unit has been constructed to meet international standards for handling trafficking cases.

The office will work directly with judicial authorities throughout the investigative and prosecution processes, strengthening the connection between law enforcement and the courts.

The establishment of this specialist unit follows Bahrain’s existing anti-trafficking legislation, specifically Bahrain Law No. 1/2008 with Respect to Trafficking in Persons.

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