Manama: The executive and legislative authorities convened for a joint meeting to deliberate on the 2025-2026 state budget. The session was co-chaired by Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives; Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council; and Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy. The meeting saw participation from ministers, the two Deputy Speakers of the Council of Representatives, members of the financial and economic committees from both councils, and senior officials.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Speaker Al Musallam reiterated the legislative authority's dedication to implementing the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, ensuring that the budget aligns with national objectives. He expressed gratitude for the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, highlighting the importance of cooperation and ongoing consultation regarding the budget.
The Speaker outlined the budget's role in fostering economic growth, maintaining financial stability, creating opportunities for citizens, achieving fiscal balance, and restructuring subsidies to benefit those most in need. Shura Chairman Al Saleh emphasized the significance of the ongoing collaboration between the executive and legislative authorities, which underscores their commitment to advancing Bahrain's development in accordance with the directives of His Majesty the King.
Chairman Al Saleh stressed the necessity of ensuring sustainable economic growth, optimizing resource allocation, and adopting financial policies that encourage fiscal sustainability while supporting progress across all sectors. Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa reaffirmed the government's dedication to collaborating with the legislative authority to support Bahrain's comprehensive development process under the leadership of His Majesty the King and the oversight of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Minister Shaikh Salman highlighted that the 2025-2026 budget lays the groundwork for the next phase of development, focusing on enhancing government services, driving economic growth, improving living standards, and creating new opportunities. He underscored the importance of joint efforts to ensure financial sustainability and economic stability.
The government team presented various budgetary options prioritizing citizens' needs and national interests. Discussions revolved around strategies to sustain economic growth, meet fiscal sustainability targets, create jobs, enhance public services, improve financial and economic support programs, and optimize government spending. The meeting also underscored initiatives aimed at achieving a budget surplus, reducing deficits, and ensuring financial stability to support the well-being of future generations.