THE Social Development Ministry has officially approved the establishment of the Association of Owners of Beauty Salons and Spas – marking the first time such a society has been formally registered in the nation.
The decision was issued by Minister Osama Al Alawi and published in the Official Gazette yesterday.
The milestone move comes in accordance with the 1989 Social, Cultural and Sports Clubs and Societies Law and its amendments, as well as a range of related laws focused on regulating associations, fundraising and compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.
The association aims to unify salon and spa owners across Bahrain, promote best practices in the beauty and wellness industry, and serve as a collective voice for addressing sectoral challenges and opportunities.
It is expected to play a key role in professional development, advocacy and enhancing industry standards.
The association is prohibited from engaging in political activity, financial speculation or affiliating with entities outside Bahrain without prior ministerial approval.
Its primary objectives include raising the quality of services provided in beauty salons and spas, protecting the interests of salon and spa owners, collaborating with public and private stakeholders to shape supportive policies, promoting public awareness of the sector’s economic and social contributions, and enhancing compliance with occupational health and safety standards.
To fulfill these goals, the association can organise exhibitions and promotional events, conduct workshops, training and conferences, sign co-operation agreements with relevant entities, and use digital platforms for community education and outreach.
Members of the association must be legally competent and at least 21 years old, have a clean legal record and good reputation, and hold a valid commercial registration for a licensed beauty salon or spa in Bahrain.
If owned by a legal entity, the authorised representative may be the owner, chairman, or another designated person.
Members are entitled to appeal decisions related to expulsion through the general assembly, which will be the highest authority in the association, empowered to formulate policies and oversee their implementation. It has the right to hold ordinary and extraordinary meetings, vote on resolutions, and supervise the association’s operations.
The board of directors comprises seven elected members serving two-year renewable terms, chosen via a secret ballot during general assembly meetings.
The fiscal year of the association runs from January 1 to December 31, except for the first year, which starts from the date of registration if not in January. The board must maintain proper financial records and present the final audited accounts to the general assembly annually.
In the event of dissolution, after all obligations are settled, any remaining assets are distributed to associations working in a similar field. If distribution is not feasible, the ministry will determine the appropriate social bodies to receive the funds.
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