Bahrain continues to enjoy strong family stability, with current figures showing both positive marriage trends and low divorce rates across the kingdom, Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda has said.
Responding to a question by MP Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh during yesterday’s parliamentary session, the minister revealed that 1,533 cases are currently pending before the Sharia Courts at various levels.
He highlighted that the majority of marriage contracts in recent years have been within the 25 to 35 age group, which he described as a strong indicator of the aspirations of Bahraini youth.
“The Bahraini family is stable, and young Bahrainis clearly aim to marry and build families,” he said.
“The highest proportion of marriage contracts is among individuals aged 25 to 35, which shows the desire of our youth to form stable households.”
The minister also dismissed suggestions of rising divorce cases, noting that the rate remains notably low.
“Divorce cases recorded over the past three years represent just six per cent of the total number of married couples,” he pointed out.
“This is a very low rate compared with global averages and reflects the awareness and commitment of Bahraini citizens to maintaining stable families.”
He added that not all cases reaching the courts end in separation, thanks to structured reconciliation mechanisms.
“Many cases are resolved through family reconciliation before divorce proceedings are completed,” he explained.
“Even during court stages, couples may reach a settlement that allows the marriage to continue.”
Mr Al Maawda said these figures demonstrate the effectiveness of Bahrain’s family support systems and the community’s commitment to safeguarding family cohesion.
n MPs unanimously rejected the Shura Council’s decision to block a parliamentary proposal imposing tighter controls on hiring expatriates in the public sector.
n Bahrain is set to take a major step towards solidifying its status as a regional hub for international dispute resolution as MPs voted unanimously in favour of a landmark agreement with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). The draft law ratifying the Host Country Agreement between Bahrain and the PCA paves the way for the establishment of an official PCA base in the kingdom.
n A legislative amendment that would allow public buildings to be used as regulated advertising spaces has been unanimously approved. Amendment of Article 12 of the 1973 Advertising Law empowers the minister in charge to issue detailed regulations specifying where and how advertising may be permitted within public buildings or areas designated for public services.
n A proposal to amend the kingdom’s postal law, enabling Bahrain Post to offer financial services under Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) supervision has been rejected.
Five new proposals have been unanimously approved and referred to the Cabinet:
n Increase the number of maternity leave days for women working in the government sector to 70 days.
n Allowing an employer to deploy a foreign worker in all establishments and commercial activities owned by him or her, in works of a homogeneous nature.
n Obliging Tamkeen (Labour Fund) to develop new business continuity and growth support programmes related to all commercial registries.
n Creating a specialisation in the Bahrain Teachers College (BTC) dedicated to autism spectrum disorders.
n Calculating citizens’ eligibility for government housing based on their monthly income at the time of application, rather than at the time of receiving the housing nomination card.
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