Manama: The executive and legislative authorities held a joint meeting today to continue consultations on the 2025-2026 state budget. The meeting 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.
According to Bahrain News Agency, discussions focused on expanding development projects, fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, ensuring financial sustainability, and increasing the efficiency of government support. Speaker Al Musallam highlighted the importance of aligning efforts with the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Shura Chairman Al Saleh underscored the commitment to ensuring optimal investment in financial resources and achieving the balance between government spending and supporting development projects. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa emphasised the importance of continued cooperation and coordination between the executive and legislative authorities to reach agreements that serve national interests and support development efforts under the leadership of HM the King and the follow-up of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The minister noted that the initiatives in the draft of the state budget for 2025-2026 aim to achieve financial sustainability, improve public services, enhance living standards, and build on past achievements to drive economic growth. He commended the constructive cooperation between the two authorities in advancing initiatives that support national progress and prosperity.
During the meeting, the government team outlined key priorities and projects proposed for inclusion in the budget, focusing on infrastructure development and public services. A total of BHD 364 million will be allocated to public infrastructure projects. This is the largest budget for such projects in recent years, indicating the government's commitment to infrastructure development and service enhancement.
Additionally, wastewater treatment fees will be introduced, with primary residences for citizens exempted under existing laws to improve service quality and infrastructure sustainability. In the health sector, BHD 688 million will be allocated to enhance healthcare services for citizens and residents. The "Choose Your Doctor" programme has been implemented in 20 health centres, with plans to expand to seven more. Selective tax increases on tobacco products, soft drinks, and energy drinks will be introduced to promote public health and reduce the consumption of harmful products.
Additionally, health insurance will be implemented for expatriates and visitors to ensure sustainable healthcare funding and spending efficiency. Furthermore, employment initiatives will target the annual recruitment of 25,000 Bahrainis, including 8,000 new graduates, alongside labour market support programmes.
The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) will allocate over BHD 280 million in financing and training programmes for 50,000 Bahrainis annually over the 2025-2026 period to enhance job opportunities and prioritise citizens in employment.