Latest news with #AhmedAlSalloom
Zawya
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
Bahrain: MPs propose introducing EVs for delivery companies
Bahrain - Delivery companies in Bahrain could be required to switch their fleets to electric vehicles within two years, under a new proposal put forward by the Strategic Thinking Bloc in Parliament. The initiative, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and support the kingdom's environmental goals, is being spearheaded by bloc president and Parliament's financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom. If approved, delivery service providers on both cars and motorbikes would be forced to use electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a nationwide push for cleaner transportation solutions. The MP said the plan, if adopted, would mark one of the most ambitious environmental reforms in Bahrain's logistics and delivery sector to date. 'Delivery vehicles take up a huge section of cars and motorbikes on the road,' said Mr Al Salloom. 'The environmental burden from these fossil fuel-powered vehicles is significant, especially as e-commerce and food delivery services continue to grow at an unprecedented pace,' he added. Mr Al Salloom stressed that the proposal was not just about reducing emissions, but also about encouraging private-sector innovation, attracting green investment and supporting the broader energy transition efforts led by Bahrain's government. 'This isn't only an environmental concern, it's an economic and strategic opportunity,' he said. 'Shifting to electric vehicles in the delivery sector can stimulate investment in green infrastructure, reduce long-term operational costs for businesses and improve the quality of life in our cities.' He said Bahrain has 'the right foundations' to support this transformation, especially with government-led initiatives to develop EV charging infrastructure, clean energy projects and sustainable urban planning. Mr Al Salloom also indicated that consultations with industry stakeholders were already underway. 'We are not legislating in isolation,' he said. 'We are speaking with delivery companies and logistics providers to understand the practical requirements and potential barriers. Our aim is to make this transition feasible, not punitive.' Parliament's legislative and legal affairs committee vice-chairman Ali Al Dossary, a co-signee, believes the proposal is within Parliament's scope of action. 'We are witnessing a growing legal responsibility to address climate-related risks, and Parliament has a duty to enact laws that secure a healthier environment for our people,' said Mr Al Dossary. 'Requiring delivery companies to transition to electric vehicles is a logical and necessary step.' Mr Al Dossary argued that the rule, once enacted, could come with a reasonable grace period of two years, during which companies can gradually phase out internal combustion vehicles and replace them with electric alternatives. The government, he said, can play a key role in facilitating this shift through tax incentives, grants or low-interest loans for EV purchases. 'No one is trying to put an unfair burden on businesses,' Mr Al Dossary clarified. 'We are advocating for a balanced policy that serves the environment while giving companies time and support to adjust. We also encourage partnerships with electric vehicle manufacturers and local start-ups that can help accelerate the process.' Both MPs stressed the importance of dialogue with the private sector, noting that effective implementation would require collaboration with delivery app platforms, logistics companies and vehicle importers. They added that the measure would also reduce noise pollution, traffic congestion and public health risks associated with air pollution from combustion engines. Mr Al Dossary said Parliament was also looking at international best practices, citing examples from cities like Amsterdam and Singapore, where electric delivery fleets have already been successfully introduced. 'We owe it to our people – especially future generations – to build a cleaner, quieter and more livable Bahrain,' said Mr Al Dossary. 'The daily exposure to pollution and road noise affects the well-being of everyone, from schoolchildren to the elderly. Transitioning to electric delivery vehicles will have tangible benefits across the board,' he added. The proposal has been formally submitted to Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam to forward to the relevant committee for review. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Daily Tribune
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain ‘model for peaceful coexistence'
Bahrain is seen as a world example in peaceful coexistence and religious dialogue, said MP Ahmed Al Salloom. He credited this to the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with constant follow-up by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Marking the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, held each year on 21 May, Al Salloom said Bahrain's open approach to religion and culture forms part of HM the King's wider reform plans, and has helped raise Bahrain's standing in this area both in the region and abroad. Among the projects he mentioned was the King Hamad Programme for Peaceful Coexistence, launched as a teaching platform to give young people the means to spread values of mutual respect across borders. The programme runs in partnership with Oxford University and the King Hamad Global Foundation. He also referred to the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, founded in 2018 as a place for meetings and dialogue between followers of different faiths and traditions.
Daily Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Model of productivity
Ninety-seven per cent of legislative items referred to the Council of Representatives' Financial Committee were completed last session, making it the most productive committee, its chairman Ahmed Al Salloom told The Daily Tribune. The committee cleared 133 out of 137 files during the third session of the sixth term. The figure was disclosed during a joint press conference yesterday hosted by the Council's secretariat, where all five standing committees presented their work. In total, 396 items were completed across the Council's committee system. Al Salloom said the financial committee dealt with a wide mix of subjects, including 33 draft laws, five royal decrees, 16 law proposals and 25 motions. Reports It also reviewed two reports on sovereign funds, the state's final account and 51 requests for opinion. The committee issued 79 reports, held 43 meetings and sent out 574 official letters. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Al Salloom said one of the proposals now under review is to divert a share of revenue from taxes on multinational firms into the pension fund. 'The idea is to restore balance after pensioners lost their annual three per cent rise a few years ago,' he said. Shortfalls The committee has proposed this as a way to reduce shortfalls and help finance the return of that increase. Other major topics handled by the committee included a proposed income tax on foreign investments and the public debt law, which now includes a fixed deadline for repayment. He added that the secured transactions bill, which would allow troubled businesses to pledge movable assets, is expected to progress in the next session. The lawmaker also confirmed that a final account for the Unemployment Insurance Fund had been submitted for the first time. Economic agreements Al Salloom also commented on Bahrain's recent economic agreements. 'They're there to build strong ties with nearby countries and attract more investment. The point is to draw in reliable capital, improve the economy and increase jobs for Bahrainis,' he said. MP Mahmoud Fardan, chairman of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, said his committee examined 58 matters, including four royal decrees, 23 draft laws, eight proposals, 21 motions, one Shura Council decision and a request to lift parliamentary immunity. A further 155 topics were passed on for notice only. He said the committee completed 40 of its core items, giving it a 91 per cent finish rate. Meetings The committee held 27 meetings and sent out 337 letters. It produced 31 reports. One of the lengthier files, Fardan said, was the draft law on the legal profession, which was referred late in the session. 'We sent 33 questions to the Ministry of Justice over three stages and looked at similar laws in the Gulf and Egypt,' he said. 'This version brings in new lawyer lists, clearer fees, and a different structure.'
Zawya
26-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: Borrowing cap set to be increased to $59.69bln
Bahrain's borrowing cap is set to be increased to BD22.5 billion from the current limit of BD16bn. The decision comes as the country's total debt surpassed the existing limit by BD1.9bn, reaching BD17.9bn by the end of last year. The amendment to the 1977 Bonds Law, which will now be reviewed by the Shura Council, was approved by 33 MPs and rejected by six others during the Parliament session yesterday. One MP failed to attend the proceedings. Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa acknowledged the financial strain following the proposed increase in borrowing, however, he emphasised that economic stability and the well-being of citizens remain the government's top priorities. 'The economic dynamics and people's standards of living are much more important,' he said. 'We will explore options that are effective and consider them later on with legislators. For now, we don't need to stall the 2025-2026 national budget,' he added. One of the key outcomes of discussions around the rise in borrowing is an agreement not to increase VAT, or remove subsidies on essential services such as electricity, water, and fuel –at least for now. Parliament's financial and economic affairs committee chairman MP Ahmed Al Salloom expressed gratitude to the government for its approach, stating that a balance between economic reforms and public welfare must be maintained. 'I thank the minister for listening to people and averting a catastrophic outcome on living standards and life in Bahrain,' Mr Al Salloom said. However, he added that while Bahrain has been investing in economic diversification and infrastructure projects, the reliance on borrowing remains a pressing concern. 'The focus should now shift to legislative discussions and economic policy adjustments that could help address the debt issue without burdening citizens with additional taxes or subsidy cuts,' he added. While the increase in borrowing is seen as necessary for short-term financial stability, a few legislators alleged that inefficiencies in government spending have led to rising debt. MP Dr Abdulhakim Al Sheno criticised the country's large administrative structure, arguing that reducing the size of the government could help control spending. 'The problem is simply an exaggerated number of ministries, government bodies, and agencies. We have an enlarged administrative structure that needs to be shrunk,' Dr Al Sheno said. He also questioned the contribution of state-owned companies, which currently provide BD40 million to the national economy. 'Do we need to borrow if those companies contribute to the economy properly?' he asked. According to the approved budget, the total spending for this year and the next will be BD8.916bn, divided into BD4.379bn this year and BD4.536bn the next. A total of BD550m will be spent on projects, divided equally into BD275m each year. The government is anticipating general revenues of around BD6.383bn – BD2.924bn this year and BD3.459bn the next. A total of BD37.234m is expected to be transferred to the Future Generations Fund from exported oil barrels – BD18.703m this year and BD18.531m the next. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Daily Tribune
23-03-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Proposal to establish national center to support inventors set for debate
TDT | Manama Email : Proper backing for Bahraini inventors is up for debate on Tuesday, as Parliament considers a proposal to establish a national centre aimed at turning good ideas into working businesses. Put forward by MP Ahmed Al Salloom and supported by four others, the plan calls on the government to create a dedicated space where inventors can access practical assistance: financial aid, legal advice, administrative support, and technical expertise. The centre would offer more than just a formal space or branding platform. It also includes the creation of an investment fund, backed by local companies, to cover early-stage costs and help kick-start projects. The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, which reviewed the proposal, has supported it unanimously. Fair chance Members said it served the public interest and would give people with practical ideas a fair chance. 'Innovation and invention play a big part in the growth and success of any country,' said Mr. Al Salloom, who chairs the committee. 'Inventors have something valuable to offer. If we give them the right support, their work can turn into real gains for the economy. This centre would help them take an idea and build it into something solid.' The plan also includes partnerships with universities and training programmes to develop skills, with a view to ensuring that those with potential are not overlooked.
