Latest news with #MuharraqMunicipalCouncil
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Tribune
Seven prayer sites set for Muharraq
Seven prayer grounds will be readied across Muharraq for Eid Al Adha next Friday, with two of them set aside for expat worshippers, the Sunni Waqf Directorate has confirmed. The plan was shared during a meeting with the Muharraq Municipal Council, as part of preparations for the upcoming holiday. Of the seven, five locations will be open to the general public, while the remaining two will cater to non-Bahraini communities. Waqf representatives said preparations were in place to ensure the occasion runs smoothly. Wide participation They called for wide participation from all ages and walks of life to bring the Eid prayer to life across the island. Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar spoke afterwards of the Waqf's work, describing it as recognised by many in Muharraq.
Daily Tribune
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Councillor proposes automatic refunds for building deposits
Refunding building deposits would become automatic under a new proposal being examined by Muharraq Municipal Council, ending a lengthy process blamed for delays and confusion among residents. Councill or Abdul qader Mahmoud introduced the idea, inspired by an existing system used in Diyar Al Muharraq, where refunds happen automatically once a Building Completion Certificate is granted. Cetificate Currently, residents must apply for this certificate and then separately request their deposit back, often leading to unclaimed cash piling up in municipal coffers. Under Mahmoud's proposal, applicants would enter their banking information at the same time they apply for building or renovation permits. Once an inspector issues the completion certificate, the deposited funds would transfer directly to the applicant's bank, accompanied by a notification confirming the transaction. Pressure Muharraq Council believes the change would reduce pressure on municipal staff and make financial processes clearer and easier to track. The existing digital system, known as Benayat, reportedly has the capability to manage such automated transfers without major adjustments. The council will now recommend that the Minister of Municipalities Affairs issues a directive formally endorsing the automatic refund scheme and updating digital platforms accordingly. Coordination workshop To ensure smooth implementation, a coordination workshop between municipal bodies, inspectors, and finance teams would clarify roles and duties. Additionally, a public awareness drive would ensure residents provide accurate banking details from the outset.
Daily Tribune
27-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Muharraq Council reviews contract rules to boost municipal income and investment
The Muharraq Municipal Council is reviewing its contract procedures and investment framework as part of efforts to strengthen municipal income and protect the interests of citizens and investors. At a meeting of the Financial and Legal Committee yesterday, chaired by Ahmed Al Moqahwi, councillors examined the way municipal contracts are handled and how procurement is carried out. The review followed a request from engineer Saleh Bu Hazza, the committee's deputy chairman, to revisit the system. Detailed account Abdulla Al Hassan, representing the Muharraq Municipality's Procurement, delivered a detailed account of the department's workings and the rules it follows. Al Moqahwi said the focus was on updating contract terms and procedures to help grow the municipality's financial base while protecting the rights of all parties involved. The Council's work falls within wider efforts to make public spending more open and fair, matching Bahrain's Vision 2030. Councillors pointed to the need for sharper checks on how contracts are awarded and managed, which they said would help deliver better services and raise living standards across the governorate. Fairer competition A review of the rules is also intended to encourage fairer competition among local firms and attract investment, strengthening the local economy. Council members noted that this approach follows the state's broader push for sound public management and balanced growth, aimed at maintaining both development goals and financial stability. It is hoped that the steps taken will help build greater trust between the public and the municipal councils.
Trade Arabia
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Trade Arabia
Bahrain breaks ground on new girls' school
Bahraini officials have announced the groundbreaking of a new government girls' school at Galali, featuring eco-friendly and energy-efficient designs, reported BNA. The project is being implemented in co-ordintaion with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. The school will be built according to modern educational standards. Spanning 14,500 sqm, it will include two academic buildings, an administrative building, and 44 classrooms with a total capacity of 1,540 students. It will also feature two classrooms for students with special needs, two science labs, two computer labs, two art workshops, two design and technology workshops, a large sports hall, a knowledge resource centre, a music room, staff offices, and 66 parking spaces. The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education; Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Ambassador of Kuwait to Bahrain; Khalid Saleh Bu Anaq, Member of Parliament for the Fifth Constituency of Muharraq Governorate; Saleh Jasim Buhaza, Vice President of the Muharraq Municipal Council; as well as officials from the ministry, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and the project's executive office. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Juma emphasised that the project reflects the government's commitment, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to enhancing education services across all governorates. He highlighted the government's efforts to build new schools and expand existing ones to improve the quality of public education, said the BNA report. The minister also commended the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development for its role in implementing the project. Khalid Saleh Bu Anaq commended the government's efforts to meet the needs of citizens, particularly in education. He noted that the new school would be a significant addition for residents in Galali and surrounding areas, expressing his appreciation to the Ministry of Education for its commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure. Dr Juma said the project was part of a broader plan to construct 18 new schools across Bahrain besides adding 23 academic buildings to existing schools. "We also plan to reopen historical public schools, and implement a sustainable maintenance programme to preserve educational infrastructure and enhance learning environments," he added.
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Plan to boost Bahrain's aviation status with global partnerships
Bahrain - A bold vision to elevate Bahrain into a premier regional aviation hub is being championed by Muharraq Municipal Council, which is urging the government to form strategic partnerships with international airlines. Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar is leading the charge, stressing that Bahrain International Airport – located in Muharraq Governorate – has the potential to become a key player in global aviation once again. Mr Al Naar has set his sights on attracting airlines from the United States, South America, Europe and the Indian subcontinent, stressing that enticing major carriers to establish regional headquarters in Bahrain would give the airport a much-needed competitive edge over neighbouring rivals. 'We have a world-class airport with state-of-the-art facilities, a strategic geographic location, and a government that is open to business,' Mr Al Naar said. 'If we can convince global airlines to set up operations here, it will not only boost the aviation industry but also create new economic opportunities for the country.' Despite the ambitious plan approved unanimously during yesterday's council meeting at the Muharraq Municipality headquarters in Busaiteen, Mr Al Naar acknowledges that turning Bahrain into an aviation powerhouse will not be easy.'It's not just about bringing in airlines. We have to provide the right incentives, develop supporting infrastructure and ensure seamless connectivity,' he said. 'Our neighbours have made significant advancements, but Bahrain has the historical background and expertise to reclaim its number one status.'Mr Al Naar highlighted that in the past, Bahrain played a key role in the aviation sector and that with the right policies and partnerships, it can regain its influence. The council is also calling for a stronger collaboration between the government and national carrier Gulf Air to enhance connectivity through code-sharing agreements.'Gulf Air is one of Bahrain's strongest assets. If we can expand its network through well-structured code-share deals, we can offer seamless travel options for passengers, where their baggage is checked through to their final destination without the hassle of multiple check-ins,' Mr Al Naar explained. He added that Bahrain's relatively small size should not be seen as a limitation but rather an advantage, allowing for efficient operations and a more streamlined travel Muharraq Municipal Council's proposal comes at a time when Bahrain is seeking to diversify its economy and enhance its position in global markets. 'The government has been proactive in strengthening our aviation sector, but we need to think bigger. The future is in partnerships and leveraging our location to attract the best players in the industry,' stressed Mr Al Naar. 'From the top of my head, I can easily think of Chinese, Malaysian, Indonesian and Macau airlines from the subAsian continent that could come here.'Also, we can get Georgian, Armenian, Azerbaijan and even Romanian and Albanian airlines from Eastern Europe.'Bahrain has strong relationships with Italy and an aviation deal could be easily managed with the Italian Government. 'The biggest asset would be the US market and surrounding North and South American countries.'Mr Al Naar said as Bahrain looks to compete with regional aviation giants like Dubai and Doha, the push for greater international airline partnerships could be the key to unlocking the next chapter in the country's aviation success.'We have to be visionary and think to the future,' he said. 'Sometimes it involves taking risks as sitting idle has never been a solution.'The $1.1bn airport terminal, opened in January 2021, is four times larger than the former facility with the new airport having a capacity to handle 14 million passengers a year. The proposal will be now forwarded by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa for review.
