Councillors have intensified calls to ease government and municipal fees to support businesses impacted by regional uncertainties.
The Muharraq Municipal Council has stressed the need to assist investors and commercial establishments in coping with the fallout from instability in the region following Iranian aggression.
Acting chairman Saleh Buhazaa said the move reflects mounting concern over pressures on business owners, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
“Many investors and shop owners are operating under extremely difficult conditions due to the regional situation and the uncertainty affecting commercial activity,” he said.
“We believe this is the time to stand with businesses and help them continue operating rather than increasing their burdens. Keeping businesses alive means protecting jobs, supporting families and maintaining economic movement across the kingdom.”
Mr Buhazaa added that the council wanted ‘practical and humanitarian solutions’ that would directly assist investors.
“Our proposal is not just about fees,” he said. “It is about preserving livelihoods and ensuring that commercial areas in Muharraq and across Bahrain remain vibrant despite the current challenges.”
The proposal was initially submitted to the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, which responded in an official letter signed by Municipal Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
In the correspondence, Shaikh Mohammed thanked the council for what he described as a proposal reflecting ‘keen interest in supporting the investment sector’.
He explained that municipal fee exemptions are already regulated under Article 45 of the Executive Regulations of the Municipalities Law issued by Resolution No 16 of 2002.
“The mechanism for exemption from municipal fees has been regulated according to specific controls and procedures that ensure fairness and equality in application across all cases,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
He stressed that the ministry remained committed to balancing support for investors with maintaining legal and administrative standards.
“The ministry appreciates all constructive proposals aimed at strengthening economic stability and supporting the business environment in the kingdom,” he said.
However, he clarified that non-municipal government fees fall outside the jurisdiction of municipal councils, noting that such matters are handled by the relevant authorities.
Despite this, Mr Buhazaa confirmed that the council would continue pursuing the matter at the highest level.
“We are referring the issue to the Cabinet because extraordinary circumstances require exceptional responses,” he said.
“Bahrain has always stood by its people during difficult times and we are hopeful that supportive decisions will be taken to reduce pressure on investors and help businesses overcome this period.”
The proposal has sparked wider discussion among municipal officials and business circles over the need for temporary relief measures to safeguard economic activity and investor confidence during regional uncertainty.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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