Latest news with #WaelAlMubarak
Daily Tribune
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Beach upgrade set to begin between Al Malkiya arcade and restaurant
Construction is due to begin on part of Al Malkiya Beach, where a stretch of sand between a games arcade and a Lebanese restaurant will be turned into a public space with new toilets and service units near the main entrance. Two sites have been selected for the scheme, following discussions between the Northern Municipality and local residents. The plans were drawn up after Municipal Council member Zainab Al Durazi raised the matter with Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, His Excellency Wael Al Mubarak.
Daily Tribune
09-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Shared housing without safety checks faces power cuts and lease bans
Shared housing without safety clearance faces power cuts and cancelled contracts, under rules now in force across Bahrain. Decision No. 1 of 2023, issued by the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture, sets out terms for registering group housing leases in all four governorates. It follows changes to the Real Estate Rent Law passed in 2020. Under the framework, landlords must present a structural safety certificate from a licensed engineering office before a lease can be accepted. If a property falls short of the conditions, municipal authorities may call for electricity and water to be cut, and the lease struck off. Scope Minister, His Excellency Wael Al Mubarak, said the move gives local councils wider scope to act against crowded labour lodgings and crumbling bachelor flats. In a written reply to MP Mohammed Mousa, he pointed to the risks posed by buildings that were neither registered nor fit for use. He added that the rules cover wiring, fire exits and the soundness of the structure. Cases may also be referred to court, while unlicensed blocks can have their power supply cut altogether. In one part of the Southern Governorate alone, inspectors recorded 84 violations across 2023 and 2024. Common breaches included unsafe storage of gas cylinders, makeshift wiring, subletting, and buildings teetering on collapse. Regular checks The Southern Municipality is carrying out regular checks in coordination with the governorate, the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), the Ministries of Health and Interior, and elected councillors. The focus is on identifying rented spaces housing workers without a licence and bringing them into line with the rules.
Daily Tribune
08-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
New Halal checks in Bahrain aim to ensure sharia compliance and boost exports
New halal rules in Bahrain will see ministry inspectors test products and audit companies to ensure sharia compliance, as the kingdom moves to position itself as an export hub for certified goods. The plan includes a full set of legal and inspection measures, with Bahrain aiming to enter a growing global market for halal food and services. 'The Kingdom is building a thorough national system for halal production, shaped by international knowledge and sound practice,' said Minister if Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, His Excellency Wael Al Mubarak, in a written reply to MP Ahmed Sabah Al Salloom. 'This will open the door for Bahraini-made goods to reach wider markets.' Under Decision No. 61 of 2024, halal goods must meet Islamic rules from start to finish, across all stages of preparation and sale. They must also match Bahraini product standards, which draw on rules agreed across GCC states. 'These legal rules fit with the religious guidance issued by Bahrain's authorised bodies,' Al Mubarak said. System The Ministry has put in place a system to check that companies follow the rules. This includes site visits, sample testing, and checks on how products are made and moved. Inspectors from the Ministry will visit firms to see that each stage meets halal terms. Producers must have a halal certificate, issued by the Ministry or by a recognised body. They are also expected to carry out regular checks inside their own firms. 'These certificates are proof that the company has followed the rules we've set,' the minister said. Requests The Ministry also handles requests for halal checks and oversees the groups that do the work. Bodies that wish to issue halal certificates must be approved and must show they are up to the task. Article 6 of the same law spells out the duties of these groups, including making sure that those they endorse can do the work and work with the Ministry as needed. Rules Halal audit teams are tasked with checking that food and services meet the rules. Their job is to inspect, test, and follow up on firms to make sure they do what the law asks. The law also allows for measures to be taken against companies that fail to meet the terms. These include penalties laid out in Article 13 of Decision No. 76 of 2024. New online platform Work is in progress to set up a new online platform, the Bahrain Halal Platform, where people and companies can check whether a product is truly certified. 'We're building a central system where buyers can look up halal certificates and check if they were issued by a trusted source,' Al Mubarak said. Certified goods will carry an official mark along with a date or number for checking. Proof People can also ask sellers for proof or details of the certification process. Companies are expected to share this when asked. Bahrain is in talks with global halal groups and takes part in events where new standards are shaped. The aim is to ensure Bahraini rules match those used abroad, and that goods made here are accepted in places like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Europe and Australia. Training Inspectors and auditors are being trained in new methods and requirements. The Ministry is also looking at deals with accreditation centres in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Indonesia to share expertise and support future cooperation. 'We are working closely with Parliament to move this forward,' Al Mubarak added.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: Eight new services launched to speed up building permits
Bahrain - Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak yesterday announced the launch of eight new services on the Benayat electronic building permit system ( It has been launched in co-operation with the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), as part of efforts to enhance service efficiency and streamline procedures for investors and stakeholders. The new services include renovation, fencing, subdivision, merging, land and marine reclamation, change-of-use and modification permits for new buildings. These services support both investment and residential projects and are fully digitised, reducing processing times and the number of entities involved. The minister noted that the ongoing collaboration with iGA aims to enhance municipal services in Bahrain by simplifying procedures, improving efficiency and raising satisfaction among customers, investors and engineering offices. He added that the ministry continues to provide support and guidance to engineering offices, ensuring effective service delivery. The platform reflects the government's commitment to digital transformation across sectors, offering citizens and investors an efficient way to manage permit applications. The new services are also designed to increase procedural chief executive Mohammed Al Qaed commended the ministry's commitment to digital transformation, in line with government directives and the decisions of the ministerial committee for information and communication technology. He underlined the importance of the strategic partnership between the ministry and iGA in strengthening Bahrain's digital infrastructure, particularly in real estate and investment sectors. Mr Al Qaed noted that the new services deliver an integrated experience for engineering offices, property owners, government entities and developers. The fully digital process shortens permit issuance times and reduces the number of government entities involved, while improving user interfaces and enabling automated fee payments and permit issuance. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: Record number of building permits issued in first quarter
Bahrain recorded a surge in building permits in the first quarter of this year with the issuance of 2,637 – the highest number since 2021. Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak revealed that urban development and investment sectors were experiencing robust and sustained growth, with building activity reaching new heights in early 2025. He added that the figures equated to a remarkable 62 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. 'This growth is a direct reflection of the comprehensive development programme led by His Majesty King Hamad and closely followed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister,' Mr Al Mubarak stated. 'It underscores the kingdom's commitment to fostering an enabling environment for economic diversification and sustainable urban expansion.' He stressed that the number of permits issued represents the highest quarterly figure since 2021, demonstrating strong momentum in the construction and real estate sectors. 'The data reveals encouraging indicators for economic expansion and serves as a catalyst to maintain and enhance performance across government and private sector partnerships,' he said. 'The figures also reflect a significant rise in the scale of projects. 'The total licensed built-up area amounted to approximately 862,000 square metres, a 70pc increase over the first quarter of 2024. 'Such an increase not only signals rising investor confidence, but also the growing appetite for larger, more ambitious development projects – particularly in the residential, commercial and mixed-use sectors.' Mr Al Mubarak attributed much of the growth to Bahrain's proactive government policies, streamlined regulatory processes and the introduction of advanced digital solutions. Chief among these is the Benayat system, an integrated electronic platform for building permit management. 'It has transformed the way permits are processed in Bahrain,' Mr Al Mubarak said. 'We're were able to issue 522 permits in record time – within as little as two working days and no more than five days, at most. This efficiency has been crucial in reducing bottlenecks and enabling faster project execution.' Mr Al Mubarak highlighted that the modernisation of permitting processes is aligned with the goals of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, which aims to strengthen the role of the private sector and create a more competitive investment climate. 'By embracing digital transformation and involving private stakeholders, we are ensuring that Bahrain remains a top destination for real estate development and investment,' he remarked. In his detailed breakdown, Mr Al Mubarak noted that approximately 19.3pc of the permits issued were categorised as investment-related or of a special nature, while around 80.7pc were designated for residential purposes as of April 20, 2025. 'This composition highlights the dynamism of Bahrain's real estate sector,' he suggested. 'While residential projects continue to dominate, the significant share of investment-oriented permits demonstrates growing interest in commercial ventures, hospitality projects and mixed-use developments – all vital components of a resilient economy. 'Furthermore, new types of permits were introduced through the Benayat system in a bid to further facilitate and stimulate investment activity. These include permits for landfilling, fencing, property merging and splitting, renovations and changes in property usage. 'Expanding the range of services offered through Benayat ensures that investors and developers can complete all necessary procedures seamlessly, thereby enhancing service quality and reducing administrative complexity.' Mr Al Mubarak reaffirmed the government's commitment to sustaining this growth trajectory. 'Bahrain's urban and investment landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation,' he said. 'Through strategic reforms, technological innovation and close collaboration with the private sector, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving, diversified economy; one that fulfils the aspirations of our people and aligns with our national vision for the future.' Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
