Bahrain Ratifies Major Reform Laws Enhancing National Regulation
On June 15, 2026, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ratified a series of significant legislative reforms aimed at enhancing Bahrain's national regulation and trade sectors. These reforms encompass various areas, including taxation, legal regulation, consumer protection, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental commitments.
Key Legislative Measures
The ratified laws include:
- Law No. 32 of 2026: Approves the agreement between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to avoid double taxation on income and prevent tax evasion.
- Law No. 24 of 2026: Establishes a comprehensive new regulatory framework for the legal profession, replacing existing legislation governing legal practice in the Kingdom.
- Law No. 25 of 2026: Amends provisions related to the establishment and oversight of industrial zones.
- Law No. 30 of 2026: Updates regulations governing government tenders, auctions, purchases, and sales to enhance public procurement governance.
- Law No. 26 of 2026: Amends provisions of the law governing the practice of human medicine and dentistry.
- Law No. 27 of 2026: Strengthens penalties related to allied health professions practiced by non-physicians and non-pharmacists.
- Law No. 28 of 2026: Significantly strengthens enforcement mechanisms for consumer protection, expands administrative penalties for violations, regulates promotional campaigns and discounts, and enhances consumer rights and supplier obligations.
Implementation and Impact
These laws will be implemented by the Prime Minister and relevant ministers within their respective authorities and will come into force according to the timelines specified in each law upon publication in the Official Gazette. The reforms are expected to modernize Bahrain's legal and regulatory frameworks, promote economic growth, and enhance consumer protection and public health standards.
For more details, refer to the official announcement: Major Reform Laws Ratified
