A draft law granting municipalities the authority to restrict the timing of construction, demolition and excavation work in residential areas has been endorsed by the Cabinet.
The legislation aims to balance the comfort and peace of residents with the needs of the construction and contracting sector, empowering local authorities to determine suitable working hours while allowing for exceptional permits.
Under the law, the municipalities will have the legal authority to specify the days and times during which construction, demolition or excavation are prohibited in residential areas.
It also defines exceptions in cases where such work may be allowed during the restricted hours, based on public need or special circumstances.
Expressing full support for the draft law, the government said the Constitution grants the legislators broad authority to regulate rights in pursuit of the public interest, as long as no constitutional rights are infringed.
The draft law fits well within this framework by prioritising residents’ comfort while allowing municipalities flexibility. Each municipality will be empowered to issue its own decisions regarding construction timing based on the unique conditions and needs of its residential zones.
The draft law aligns with articles in the municipalities law which empower municipal councils to regulate activities in residential and commercial areas.
Similar regulations exist in other Gulf countries.
For instance, in Saudi Arabia construction is prohibited before 7am and after 6pm, with exceptions allowed, while in Oman no construction work is permitted between sunset and sunrise, or on holidays and Fridays, unless approved, and in the UAE construction is allowed only between 7am and 8pm from Saturday to Thursday, with permits required for exceptions.
The government will implement the provisions of the law, which will come into force the day after it is published in the Official Gazette.
The government also noted that a comprehensive new construction law has also been drafted, which will address licensing, contractor obligations, safety and environmental considerations.
The current draft law serves as a focused, interim measure to immediately protect residents while the broader framework is developed. The 54-article government-drafted Building Organisation Law has also been forwarded to Parliament.
Penalties for violations include jail time to be determined by the judge, a fine of between BD1,000 and BD10,000, or both.
Meanwhile, the government has urged a rethink on amendments to the 2014 Rents Law to penalise landlords for leasing in violation.
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