A major proposal aimed at helping Bahraini newlyweds and families moving into long-awaited government homes could soon make furnishing a house far less expensive, with discounted furniture, reduced electronics prices and free household gifts all part of a new nationwide initiative now under review in Parliament.
The proposal has been submitted by Parliament’s Strategic Thinking Bloc, led by financial and economic affairs committee chairman and Bahrain Chamber treasurer MP Ahmed Al Salloom, who says the initiative is designed to ease financial pressures on families while strengthening the culture of social responsibility among businesses.
Mr Al Salloom said the idea focuses on encouraging retailers to provide direct support to citizens through discounted home essentials. “These discounts and gifts represent a social commitment from the business community towards Bahrainis and families in need,” he added. “Furniture and electronics cost a lot and for newlyweds it is a major burden.”
Under the proposal, furniture retailers, electronics shops and home appliance stores would voluntarily participate in offering reduced prices to eligible Bahrainis, particularly newly-married couples and families relocating to social housing units.
Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk said instalment plans currently available in stores do not solve the real problem families are facing and stressed that buyers preferred looking for ‘genuine price reductions’.
“Electronics are already available on instalments almost everywhere, but what people actually need are discounts,” said Mr Bu Onk. “If a customer purchases items above a certain amount, shops could offer free gifts such as cupboards, utensils or other household items.”
Meanwhile, bloc member Dr Mariam Al Dhaen said the programme should be well organised and proposed that ministries could be asked to help distribute information to the public.
“Lists of participating shops should be made available through the Social Development and Housing and Urban Planning ministries,” said Dr Al Dhaen. “One list could be handed to charity societies while another could be made available through Eskan Bank so beneficiaries know where these offers exist.”
Bloc member MP Bassema Mubarak highlighted one of the proposal’s strongest selling points – that it places no financial burden whatsoever on the government.
She said the initiative benefits both families and businesses at the same time. “This proposal would not cost the government a single fils,” said Ms Mubarak. “It also helps channel business towards participating shops, meaning retailers benefit too.”
Bloc member MP Ali Al Dossary said the plan perfectly reflects Bahrain’s tradition of community solidarity while generating significant savings for ordinary families.
According to Mr Al Dossary, the numbers speak for themselves. “This could save newlyweds around BD1,000 and homeowners approximately BD3,000,” said Mr Al Dossary. “That is money families could use for other essential needs.”
The charitable sector has also backed the proposal.
A’ali Social Charity Society board chairman Aqeel Al A’ali said existing financial assistance programmes are not enough to cover the growing costs families face.
He explained that his society currently provides support but resources remain limited. “We usually provide around BD500 for newlyweds and needy families moving homes, but unfortunately our budget is limited,” said Mr Al A’ali.“We receive around 50 couples and families every year, and furniture and electronics costs are far higher than what we can currently provide.”
Support for the proposal has also come from local government.
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar believes the scheme could initially begin on a small scale. “I know this initiative will succeed because it benefits everyone involved,” said Mr Al Naar.
The proposal has now been referred by Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam to Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee for further review.
“If approved, the initiative could offer thousands of Bahrainis a much-needed financial boost,” said Mr Al Naar. “This turns the costly challenge of starting married life or furnishing a new home into a far more affordable beginning.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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