Latest news with #WaelAlMubarak
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: Ministry signs deal with Edamah to develop Manama Central Market site
Bahrain - The Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah), the real estate arm of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, to develop the Manama Central Market site. The MoU was signed by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak and Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat and chairman of Edamah. The MoU aims to conduct a detailed study to maximise the site's investment and commercial potential, leveraging its strategic location in the centre of Manama. This partnership supports the ministry's goal to better manage its real estate assets, enhance financial returns, and contribute to sustainable urban development and economic growth. Officials highlighted Edamah's expertise in development and investment as key to realising the site's potential, creating promising opportunities that align with Bahrain's broader development plans. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
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. (
