A proposal has called on the government to step in to support traders and investors at Al Baraha Market in Diyar Al Muharraq, warning that mounting financial pressures are pushing businesses to the brink.
Submitted by five MPs led by Mohammed Al Olaiwi, the motion urges co-ordinated intervention by the Industry and Commerce Ministry and Tamkeen to help alleviate the challenges facing shop owners at the heritage-style commercial destination.
The proposal highlights concerns over high service charges, weak trading activity for much of the year, declining revenues and rising rents. These pressures have been compounded by regional tensions that disrupted visitor flows from Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, traditionally a key customer base for the market.
Mr Al Olaiwi said that without swift action, many small and medium Bahraini enterprises operating in the market could face closure.
“These are not just shops. These are family livelihoods, Bahraini businesses built with years of effort, now facing bankruptcy because the operating environment has become unsustainable,” he said.
The MPs have requested Tamkeen to roll out an exceptional support package for Al Baraha investors, including temporary rent subsidies and wage support for Bahraini employees, while urging the Industry and Commerce Ministry to intervene in disputes between tenants and market management over what investors describe as ‘repeated and excessive rent hikes’.
“Some tenants are being pushed towards court cases and financial ruin due to unrealistic rent hikes,” Mr Al Olaiwi alleged. “This requires immediate regulatory intervention to restore balance between investors and management.”
Among the recommendations is a review of operational and service fees imposed by the market’s management, in co-ordination with relevant authorities, to align costs with actual commercial activity levels.
The proposal further calls for the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) to intensify promotional events and officially incorporate Al Baraha into tourism and entertainment agendas to revive footfall.
Financial relief is another key demand, with MPs urging national banks, in co-ordination with the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), to reschedule loans for affected investors.
A six-month rent exemption or reduction for shops has also been proposed, similar to recent exemptions granted to industrial land tenants, alongside greater flexibility in lease terms and rescheduling of dues.
Mr Al Olaiwi stressed the broader significance of preserving the market.
“Al Baraha is more than a commercial complex. It is a modern reflection of Bahrain’s authentic heritage and identity. Allowing it to decline would be a loss economically, socially and culturally.”
The MPs have called for an urgent co-ordination meeting between government representatives, market management and investors to agree on fast-track solutions that ensure the sustainability of the market and protect national employment.
The proposal has been submitted under urgent parliamentary procedures for debate on Tuesday.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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