Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has issued a series of new laws and legislative amendments aimed at strengthening investment protection, modernising key economic sectors, and reinforcing consumer rights, according to state-linked reports.
The wide-ranging legislative package, approved by both Parliament and the Shura Council, covers investment regulation, legal practice, healthcare, industry, government procurement, and consumer protection, alongside several regional and international agreements.
At the centre of the reforms is a new Legal Profession Law that replaces legislation dating back to 1980. The updated framework seeks to modernise the legal sector, improve judicial efficiency, and introduce transitional measures allowing lawyers and firms to adjust to new regulatory requirements.
Officials said the reform is intended to enhance professionalism within the legal sector while aligning Bahrain’s judicial system with international standards.
The package also includes significant amendments to the law governing industrial zones, with provisions designed to improve governance of industrial land, optimise allocation of industrial plots, and strengthen the broader investment environment. Authorities say the changes aim to make industrial infrastructure more efficient and attractive to foreign and domestic investors.
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Healthcare regulation was also tightened, with amendments to laws covering medical, dental, and allied health professions. The revised rules introduce stricter penalties for unlicensed practice and misrepresentation of qualifications, part of broader efforts to improve service quality and patient safety.
Consumer protection laws were updated to give regulators expanded authority to issue fines and administrative penalties against violators, as well as to oversee promotional campaigns and commercial discount schemes more closely. Officials said the measures are intended to increase market transparency and strengthen public trust in commercial practices.
Reforms also extend to public procurement, with amendments to the Government Tender Law and civil and commercial procedures designed to enhance efficiency and oversight in state contracting processes.
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In addition, Bahrain ratified an agreement with Saudi Arabia aimed at avoiding double taxation and joined several international conventions covering marine environmental protection, financial information exchange, and the transfer of sentenced persons.
Taken together, the reforms reflect a broader government strategy to modernise Bahrain’s regulatory framework and strengthen its appeal as a regional investment hub amid increasing competition among Gulf economies.
Officials said the changes are intended to boost investor confidence, improve governance standards, and support long-term economic diversification efforts beyond hydrocarbons.
