An urgent proposal calling for tighter regulation of the small projects market – including real estate and car brokerage – was yesterday unanimously approved by MPs and referred to the Cabinet for review.
The motion seeks the development of government policies and regulatory controls to protect small Bahraini traders from unregulated market practices.
Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk said the proposal responds to growing complaints from people who depend on small-scale activities as a primary source of income.
“Many Bahrainis rely on small projects that do not require large capital, such as brokerage and service activities, but they are facing increasing competition in an environment that lacks sufficient regulatory controls,” he said.
“This creates market imbalance and weakens the sustainability of these businesses for citizens.”
He stressed that the absence of clear frameworks has allowed irregular practices to spread, affecting equal opportunity and contradicting the state’s direction to support entrepreneurs and expand citizen participation in economic activity.
“This is not about restricting the market, but about organising it in a way that ensures fairness, sustainability and competitiveness for Bahraini small traders,” he added.
The proposal calls for government frameworks to regulate the sector, introduce oversight mechanisms and curb unregulated practices that disadvantage citizens operating in modest, low-capital activities.
MPs said the move aims to restore balance to the small business environment while aligning with national policies that encourage entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
With unanimous parliamentary backing, the proposal now awaits government consideration.
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