Bahrain is studying new measures that would allow court rulings issued in English to be enforced without requiring translation into Arabic.
Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda said the move forms part of broader efforts to further develop Bahrain’s judicial system – but noted that enforcement procedures currently continue to be governed by existing legislation.
“With regard to the execution of judgments issued in English without the need for translation into Arabic, this matter falls within future plans for the development of the judicial system in accordance with practical needs,” the minister said.
“At present, execution procedures remain subject to the provisions of the Execution Law in Civil and Commercial Matters, issued by Decree-Law No 22 of 2021, without any special procedures or provisions.”
He stressed that the current framework had proven effective due to the efficiency and capability of judicial personnel handling enforcement procedures.
The minister revealed the development in a written reply to a question by Shura Council legislative and legal affairs committee chairwoman Dalal Al Zayed.
Members were notified of the response during the council’s weekly session yesterday, which was held in a hybrid format.
Ms Al Zayed had asked whether the government planned to take steps to establish specialised judicial personnel and designate an enforcement court capable of executing judgements or decisions issued in English without translating them into Arabic.
Mr Al Maawda highlighted Bahrain’s ongoing efforts, in co-ordination with the Supreme Judicial Council, to enhance the kingdom’s status as a competitive financial centre capable of attracting global investment and talent.
One of the most significant reforms introduced in recent years has been the ability to litigate in English before national courts, based on the agreement of disputing parties and the language used in their contracts.
Mr Al Maawda said this measure was designed primarily to facilitate complex commercial disputes involving international businesses and investors.
“It applies to commercial matters, corporate operations, banking and financial institutions, trademarks, commercial agencies, intellectual property rights, maritime and air transport, and contracting,” he added.
The reform was introduced following Decree-Law No 27 of 2021, which amended provisions of the Judicial Authority Law issued by Decree-Law No 42 of 2002.
While Arabic remains the official language of the courts, the law allows disputing parties to agree in writing before filing a lawsuit to use another approved language. To implement the law, Resolution No 28 of 2023 was issued specifying the languages that may be used before the courts and the Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution, as well as the scope and mechanisms governing their use.
The resolution also outlines conditions relating to the language of disputed contracts, procedures for witness testimony and translation requirements where necessary.
Mr Al Maawda said extensive preparations had been undertaken to ensure the judiciary was fully equipped to handle cases conducted in English.
“In co-ordination with the Institute of Judicial and Legal Studies, the Supreme Judicial Council has worked to prepare and train judicial personnel, including specialised judges capable of handling commercial disputes and contracts in English,” he said.
He added that the judiciary had already achieved significant progress in this area, with English-language rulings now being issued by several courts.
“The Bahraini judiciary has witnessed qualitative development with the issuance of judicial rulings in English, including rulings issued by the Court of Cassation,” Mr Al Maawda said. “This reflects the institutional and judicial readiness to manage such cases efficiently and strengthens local, regional and international confidence in the Bahraini judicial system.”
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