A proposal to ban new licences for serviced apartments across the kingdom in a crackdown by MPs on hanky panky in residential areas has been unanimously approved.
The proposal, led by Parliament’s second deputy speaker MP Ahmed Qarata and supported by four other legislators, urges the government to implement stricter regulations to curb the spread of furnished pads being turned into love nests.
Mr Qarata clarified during the weekly session yesterday that the proposal was not intended to discourage investment, but to ensure that Bahrain’s urban development remains aligned with the country’s cultural and social framework.
“We must strike a balance between tourism growth and preserving the social and religious values that define our communities,” he added.
He highlighted growing concerns from residents about the impact of serviced apartments on neighbourhoods, pointing to ethical violations and instances of misuse with some being ‘rented out by the hour’.
Mr Qarata called for a comprehensive review of the licensing framework to introduce clearer enforcement mechanisms and prevent further exploitation.
“Our goal is to protect families and communities from any undesirable practices while maintaining a healthy investment climate,” he added.
Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi acknowledged Parliament’s concerns regarding the protection of Bahrain’s traditions and values, but stressed that existing regulations already govern serviced apartments to prevent their misuse.
According to Bahrain’s tourism laws, as she explained, serviced apartments must be located only in independent buildings or designated commercial-use buildings and adhere to specific standards and conditions. They also have to be situated exclusively in tourism or commercial zones, as approved by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA).
The minister emphasised that the current system provides sufficient safeguards, with the BTEA closely monitoring compliance.
While acknowledging the concerns raised by MPs, Ms Al Sairafi warned that a complete suspension of new licences for serviced apartments could negatively affect Bahrain’s investment and tourism landscape.
“The kingdom’s expansion of tourism infrastructure necessitates a diverse range of accommodation options, including short-term furnished rentals,” she said.
Meanwhile, MPs voted in favour a proposal to restore old restrictive regulations on cafés and restaurants serving sheesha, which were cancelled in 2018.
The proposal by five MPs is spearheaded by public utilities and environment affairs committee vice-chairman Bader Al Tamimi.
They claimed that sheesha cafes were springing up near residential neighbourhoods and mosques, ‘impacting their sanctity by holding undesirable and noisy gatherings’.
“Unpleasant odours and unwanted smoke from the cafes are also posing a threat to people’s health,” they claimed.
Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro responded in writing that old regulations acted as a deterrent, harming investments and businesses.
“Currently tough restrictions are in place while licences are issued to serve sheesha,” he added.
Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed also said that the services were being carefully monitored.
MPs unanimously approved a proposal to introduce a dedicated curriculum on artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in schools to equip students with ‘future-ready skills in an increasingly digital world’.
It has been presented by Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Mohammed Al Bulooshi, who has stressed the need to modernise Bahrain’s education system further to keep pace with global developments.
Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma welcomed the proposal and said the ministry’s 2023-2026 strategic framework focuses on digital empowerment in education, aligning with global trends in AI and cybersecurity adoption.
He also pointed out that primary school students were being introduced to visual programming languages, fostering foundational coding skills.
Meanwhile, MPs unanimously approved a proposal submitted by the Strategic Thinking Bloc, led by its president and Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom that calls on the government to prioritise hi-tech industry development to drive economic diversification and reduce reliance on oil revenues.
The proposal urges the government to implement a strategic framework that fosters the localisation of advanced technologies.
Also unanimously approved was a proposal to form joint venture companies between government and individuals, presented by Dr Ali Al Nuaimi.
MPs also unanimously approved a proposal to grant civil servants three days of paternity leave for every newborn.
The proposal by Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh was recommended for approval by Parliament’s services committee, chaired by Jalila Al Sayed.
Parliament also unanimously approved the following proposals:
- Issuing building permits for the dilapidated Al Sakhana Mosque in Kuwara, presented by Zainab Abdulamir.
- Introducing a media strategy targeting children, presented by five MPs led by Strategic Thinking Bloc member Dr Mariam Al Dhaen.
- Reviving Old Hoora with plans to have a new social housing project, presented by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman Khalid Bu Onk and area MP Mohammed Hussain Janahi.
- Constructing a walkway on the Eker coastline, presented by five MPs led by Mohsin Al Asbool.
All will be now reviewed by the Cabinet.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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