Latest news with #AhmedQarata
Daily Tribune
15-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
MPs Back 10% Tariff on US Imports
MPs have voted to slap a 10 per cent tariff on goods arriving from the United States, describing the measure as a direct response to American duties on Bahraini exports. The proposal was raised as a matter of urgency by Second Deputy Speaker Ahmed Qarata, backed by four others, and cleared during Tuesday's parliamentary session. It draws on a clause in the Bahrain–US Free Trade Agreement which allows reciprocal treatment. 'This proposal seeks to impose a 10 per cent customs duty on imports from the United States, in line with the principle of reciprocity,' said Mr Qarata during the debate. He told MPs the idea came on the heels of a recent move by the US administration to apply new tariffs to products from several countries, with Bahrain among them. A 10 per cent charge was placed on certain Bahraini exports. 'In response, and applying the same rate, we are putting forward this urgent proposal to tax American imports accordingly,' he said. Mr Qarata added that the tariff could bring in extra income for the public purse, with the funds channelled into other areas of government spending. The matter will now be passed to ministers for review.
Gulf Insider
22-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain: MPs Push to Freeze New Furnished Apartment Licences
Lawmakers are calling for an immediate halt to new furnished apartment licences, citing their unchecked spread in residential areas, violations of public decency, and concerns that they are crowding out other tourism-related businesses. The proposal, set for debate in Parliament on Tuesday, warns that lax enforcement has led to a surge in furnished apartments, creating issues for local communities and undermining Islamic values and traditions. The Services Committee has endorsed the plan. Second Deputy Speaker Ahmed Qarata, one of its key supporters, stressed the need for stricter regulations. 'We need clear limits and penalties. Our goal is to put a stop to violations happening right under our noses,' he said. MPs Hisham Al Awadhi, Jameel Mulla Hassan, Mohammed Al Olaiwi, and Mohammed Al Rafaei are also backing the proposal. Supporters argue that Bahrain's tourism sector should not be built around furnished apartments alone and that other forms of investment must be encouraged. A major concern is that furnished apartments are being set up too close to mosques, prayer halls, and homes, despite tourism laws requiring a minimum distance. Qarata said existing laws already prohibit such rentals near mosques and residential areas unless specific distance requirements are met but accused authorities of failing to enforce them. 'People living in these areas are fed up,' he said. 'We have laws, but they are not being enforced properly.' The proposal also calls for a more balanced approach to tourism investment. MPs have requested a full government study to assess licensing regulations and whether additional controls should be introduced. However, the Tourism Ministry and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority have pushed back, arguing that a blanket ban is unnecessary. A 2019 rule already prohibits furnished apartments in housing areas, allowing them only in commercial buildings or those approved by tourism authorities. The ministry warned MPs in writing that blocking new licences entirely could deter investment and limit accommodation options as Bahrain expands its tourism sector. Despite this, the committee has reaffirmed its support for the proposal, insisting that the current system is not being enforced effectively
Daily Tribune
22-02-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
MPs push to freeze new furnished apartment licences
Lawmakers are calling for an immediate halt to new furnished apartment licences, citing their unchecked spread in residential areas, violations of public decency, and concerns that they are crowding out other tourism-related businesses. The proposal, set for debate in Parliament on Tuesday, warns that lax enforcement has led to a surge in furnished apartments, creating issues for local communities and undermining Islamic values and traditions. The Services Committee has endorsed the plan. Second Deputy Speaker Ahmed Qarata, one of its key supporters, stressed the need for stricter regulations. 'We need clear limits and penalties. Our goal is to put a stop to violations happening right under our noses,' he said. MPs Hisham Al Awadhi, Jameel Mulla Hassan, Mohammed Al Olaiwi, and Mohammed Al Rafaei are also backing the proposal. Supporters argue that Bahrain's tourism sector should not be built around furnished apartments alone and that other forms of investment must be encouraged. A major concern is that furnished apartments are being set up too close to mosques, prayer halls, and homes, despite tourism laws requiring a minimum distance. Qarata said existing laws already prohibit such rentals near mosques and residential areas unless specific distance requirements are met but accused authorities of failing to enforce them. 'People living in these areas are fed up,' he said. 'We have laws, but they are not being enforced properly.' The proposal also calls for a more balanced approach to tourism investment. MPs have requested a full government study to assess licensing regulations and whether additional controls should be introduced. However, the Tourism Ministry and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority have pushed back, arguing that a blanket ban is unnecessary. A 2019 rule already prohibits furnished apartments in housing areas, allowing them only in commercial buildings or those approved by tourism authorities. The ministry warned MPs in writing that blocking new licences entirely could deter investment and limit accommodation options as Bahrain expands its tourism sector.
Daily Tribune
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
MPs back urgent aid for displaced Gaza families
Parliament has approved an urgent plan to send emergency aid and supplies to displaced families returning to their shattered homes in Gaza. The decision, made during yesterday's session, comes as MPs push for a swift response to the worsening conditions on the ground. The proposal has now been passed to the government. Request Ahmed Qarata, Mohammed Al Olaiwi, Dr Mahdi Al Shuwaikh, Abdulwahid Qarata, and Lulwa Al Rumaihi put forward the request, arguing that Bahrain has long stood by the Palestinian cause and should continue to do so. They pointed to the country's record of backing Arab and humanitarian efforts, with the memorandum stating that 'His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has repeatedly reaffirmed Bahrain's support for the Palestinian people, as their cause remains the foremost concern of the Arab world.' MPs warned that displaced Gazans were returning to devastation, stripped of the means to rebuild their lives. Suffering 'Given the dire living conditions, it has become essential to provide urgent aid and humanitarian supplies to help ease their suffering,' said Second Deputy Speaker Ahmed Qarata. The move is also seen as a reaffirmation of Bahrain's long-standing backing of the Palestinian people, with supporters arguing that it would send a clear message of solidarity at a time when support is most needed.
