A renewed push for tougher enforcement of safety standards governing Ramadan tents has been launched by senior legislators and municipal leaders, amid growing concerns that violations could lead to fires and endanger public safety.
Ramadan tents have become increasingly popular across Bahrain’s residential neighbourhoods, commercial areas and hotels, serving as makeshift majlises and venues for feasting and games such as cards, carrom and dominoes.
However, officials warn that the festive tradition must not come at the expense of public safety.
Parliament First Deputy Speaker Abdulnabi Salman, who is leading the proposal, noted that although many tent owners initially obtain the required licences, a significant number later fail to comply with essential safety regulations.
Mr Salman
“Some increase electrical loads beyond safe limits, allow people to smoke sheesha inside the tents instead of using designated areas, and even decorate with highly flammable materials,” Mr Salman said.
“We fully recognise that Ramadan tents are an important cultural tradition, but safety must come first – and it must be ensured at the highest level.
“When a tent catches fire, it can spread instantly – just imagine the gas cylinders, wooden tables and chairs, and all the electrical devices inside.”
He added that the popularity of these tents often leads to overcrowding, which can severely hinder emergency response efforts.
Mr Salman called for annual reviews of regulations and tougher enforcement mechanisms, stressing that inspections should not be a one-off formality before Ramadan begins.
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah stressed that stricter enforcement measures and more frequent inspections are crucial to preventing future tragedies.
“There should be absolutely no charcoal grills, cooking activities or gas cylinders inside tents,” Mr Tarradah warned.
Mr Tarradah
“Inspections must be carried out regularly – ideally at least once a week. The sheer number of tents requires significant manpower and continuous monitoring from all relevant authorities.”
Bahrain’s General Directorate of Civil Defence continues to impose strict safety requirements for Ramadan tents to prevent fires and accidents. These include mandatory prior licensing, the use of fire-resistant materials, installation of safe electrical wiring by qualified technicians, and the provision of manual dry-powder fire extinguishers inside tents. A minimum distance of four metres must be maintained between a tent and any building, electricity substation or gas installation.
Tent owners are also required to prepare evacuation plans, identify assembly points, provide first-aid kits and ensure that electricity is completely switched off when tents are not in use. The use of sheesha in tents located within residential and commercial areas is strictly prohibited, along with cooking appliances and flammable substances.
Municipal regulations also specify fees and refundable deposits depending on the location and type of tent. A fee of BD10 is charged for tents erected in public car parks, squares, open lands or public fields.
Tents installed within the boundaries of cafés, restaurants or on vacant land are charged BD50, while tents set up within hotel properties or major public venues require a BD200 fee. A refundable security deposit per tent is also collected, equivalent to the permit amount, to ensure compliance with conditions and timely removal after Ramadan.
Municipal authorities, in co-ordination with the Civil Defence, police and the Electricity and Water Authority, form field inspection teams to ensure compliance throughout Ramadan.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said safety of citizens and residents is top priority.
Mr Abdullatif
“Regulations exist to prevent disasters, and they must be respected. Any negligence could have serious consequences for families and neighbourhoods,” Mr Abdullatif said.
Northern Municipal Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie echoed the warning, stressing that public co-operation is vital.
Mr Al Naar
“These tents should not obstruct roads, block visibility, disturb neighbours or pose any safety risk,” he added. “We support tougher measures to ensure that Ramadan tents remain a positive social feature, not a source of danger.”
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar also highlighted the importance of community responsibility.
Dr Al Wedaie
“Everyone has a role – authorities, tent owners and the public,” Mr Al Naar said. “Safety is not negotiable, and violations must be dealt with firmly.”
Under municipal regulations, licences for Ramadan tents are temporary and valid only for the holy month. All tents must be removed within one week after Ramadan, failing which municipalities are authorised to dismantle them at the owner’s expense.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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