.jpg?20260517')
Nine community and social associations across Bahrain have been dissolved for legal violations, inactivity and governance failures, while two others were closed voluntarily.
The move was announced by Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi in Official Gazette Issue No 3883, under Decision No (19) of 2026.
The decision was issued after the ministry established that several associations had ceased activities, failed to hold general assemblies, and had boards remaining in place for more than 10 years, in breach of the law on associations and their own bylaws.
More seriously, the Islamic Enlightenment Society was found to have committed serious violations, including offences under the fundraising law, with a final criminal judgment issued in Case No 192/2025/7 under Decree-Law No (21) of 2013 regulating fundraising for public purposes.
The following associations were dissolved upon their own request in accordance with legal procedures:
- Firjan Al Muharraq Society
- Co-operative Society for Professional Fishermen
Nine associations were compulsorily dissolved:
- Al‑Multaqa Al Enamaae (Namaa) Society
- Al Eskafi Society for Beautifying Bahrain
- Al Insan Society
- Islamic Enlightenment Society
- Welsh Community Association in Bahrain
- Kerala Muslim Association
- Al Hadaf Social Association
- Al Nahda Youth Association
- Bahrain Natural History Society
The decision appoints Muzaffar Certified Public Accountants (CR 1-50861) as liquidator to wind up the associations and distribute proceeds according to the law and their bylaws within two months from the decision taking effect.
All members, administrators and employees are immediately prohibited from continuing any activity or disposing of funds. They must hand over all records and documents to the liquidator. Banks and debtors have also been barred from any dealings except by written order of the liquidator.
The liquidator is tasked with preserving assets, collecting dues, settling debts and submitting a final liquidation account to the ministry.
&uuid=(email))