Manama: His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has issued Edict (30) of 2026, introducing amendments to certain provisions of the Executive Regulation of the Municipalities Law. This edict modifies the original law promulgated by Decree-Law (35) of 2001 and was initially issued by Decision (16) of 2002. The amendments are based on a proposal from the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and have received approval from the Cabinet.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the edict includes significant changes to the text of several articles within the Executive Regulation. Article (23) now allows the municipal council to form a permanent general committee, which will be tasked with preparing the council's agenda and providing opinions on specific matters. Article (34) bis mandates property owners to inform the competent municipality before leasing property as shared accommodation, ensuring compliance with health, security, and safety requirements. It defines shared accommodation as being occupied by at least five unrelated individuals.
Further changes include the second paragraph of Article (44), which specifies that municipal fees will apply to vacant buildings from the date of occupancy or once an electricity meter is installed. Article (72) sets the fee for licenses to reclaim marine land at 400 fils per square metre.
Additionally, Article (II) introduces new provisions, such as item (f) in Article (14), which proposes regulations governing shared accommodation. Articles (22) and (34) have been expanded to include new procedural guidelines and responsibilities for managing disease-carrying insects and rodents.
The Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture is tasked with implementing the provisions of this edict, which will come into effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette.