New rules regulating Bahrain’s tour guiding profession are still under study, the Parliament heard yesterday, amid calls from MPs to fast‑track Bahrainisation of the sector.
Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi told legislators during Parliament session that regulations are still being drafted and have not yet been formally issued.
She said work is ongoing to further refine the proposal to ensure it aligns with the needs of Bahrain’s expanding tourism market.
She revealed that the ministry intends to share the draft with interested members of the legislative authority before its final approval, in a move aimed at ensuring the regulation meets sector requirements and strengthens efficiency through a participatory approach to tourism policymaking.
Her remarks came in an official response to a parliamentary question by MP Dr Mahdi Al Shuwaikh, who called for urgent action to ‘Bahrainise’ the profession and warned of legal violations that he said could impact the kingdom’s national identity.
The minister disclosed that Bahrain currently has 74 licensed tour guides, of whom 53 are Bahrainis – representing around 72 per cent of the total.
“Tourist guides are ambassadors of Bahrain’s history, culture and identity. Empowering Bahraini guides is not only a regulatory matter, but a strategic step to enhance the authenticity of the visitor experience and strengthen the national economy,” Ms Al Sairafi said.
She stressed that all travel and tourism agencies are required to use only licensed tour guides when organising tours, adding that the upcoming draft resolution – being developed in co-ordination with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority – will go further by prohibiting tourism establishments from engaging with any unlicensed guides.
The new regulation is set to replace Resolution No (3) of 2005 and is expected to be issued before the end of the year. It will also introduce incentives and benefits for Bahraini tour guides, in co-ordination with other government entities, to encourage more nationals to enter the profession.
“We are working on modern regulations that reward professionalism and prioritise Bahrainis, while ensuring high standards that match the ambitions of Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy 2022–2026,” she added.
As part of this effort, the ministry and the Authority are developing an accredited training programme in partnership with a reputable local organisation. The programme will combine theoretical study with practical field training, focusing on Bahrain’s historical and cultural assets and the communication skills required to guide visitors. Bahrainis will be given priority access.
Ms Al Sairafi also revealed that proposals are being studied to establish tourist information points staffed by professional guides at key tourist locations across the kingdom. “Cultural and archaeological tourism requires knowledgeable, well-trained guides who can narrate Bahrain’s story with confidence and accuracy. This is where Bahraini talent plays a vital role,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr Al Shuwaikh said the tour guiding profession represents ‘the first face of Bahrain before the world’, stressing the need for a serious and responsible debate on Bahrainisation of this sensitive sector.
The MP also expressed surprise that Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy (2022–2026) does not include clear training plans to enable Bahrainis to master foreign languages required for the profession.
“What is most concerning is that the ministry is training foreigners free of charge and granting them licences to practise the profession independently during peak tourism seasons, without sufficient oversight. This is unfair to qualified Bahraini citizens,” he claimed.
Dr Al Shuwaikh stressed that the issue goes beyond economics to touch on ‘national identity’ and the constitutional principle of equal opportunities, calling on the ministry to take a firm stand to protect Bahrain’s image and safeguard jobs for citizens.
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