A proposal to restrict health clubs in the Capital Governorate’s constituency one (Hoora and Gudaibiya) to four- and five-star hotels has been rejected by the government, warning that the move could drive up prices, weaken competition and push smaller operators out of the market.
Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain said the proposed restriction would undermine equal opportunities among businesses and conflict with the principles governing commercial activities across the kingdom.
“The restriction would neutralise the level of competition among those practising the activity and create a monopolistic environment with direct negative effects on small and medium-sized enterprises operating in this field,” he said in a response to Parliament.
The proposal called for health club licences in the area to be limited to establishments operating within four- and five-star hotels. Parliamentarians claimed there were too many opening up in residentail areas causing unneccesary neighbourhood noise and inconvenience to families and workers trying to find places to park their cars.
However, the government argued that licensing requirements should apply uniformly across Bahrain, rather than target a particular geographical area.
Mr Al Buainain said existing rules already regulate health clubs through approved classifications, health and technical standards, and requirements governing the suitability of premises.
“These requirements do not target a specific geographical area, but rather aim to regulate the activity in a way that ensures the safety of health club patrons and maintains public order,” he said.
He added that applicants could consult the requirements for operating sports facilities through the Commercial Register System before starting the licensing process.
The minister also warned that limiting the number of eligible establishments could increase operating costs, with businesses potentially passing the burden on to customers through higher prices. Fewer choices could also affect service quality and make health and fitness facilities less accessible to different sections of the community, he said.
Mr Al Buainain argued that competition itself provides an incentive for operators to maintain standards and attract customers.
“If there is a decline in the level of quality or failure to meet the expectations of beneficiaries, this is directly reflected in the reluctance of patrons to use it and a decline in demand for its services,” he said. Mr Al Buainain concluded that the proposed restriction was not feasible, arguing that it would undermine investment, limit commercial activity and work against the public interest.
The reply is amongst 50 presented by Mr Al Buainain on parliamentary proposals that will be debated today.
Meanwhile, Bahraini players, coaches and club staff can benefit from existing Tamkeen wage-support programmes, with the government saying a proposed dedicated scheme for the sports sector is unnecessary.
The proposal called for Tamkeen to support the wages of players, coaches and technical and administrative staff employed by local sports clubs throughout their contracts.
Mr Al Buainain said the government believed the proposal’s objectives had already been achieved through Tamkeen’s existing programmes.
He said club personnel remained eligible for support under initiatives including the National Employment Programme and Career Development Support Programmes, subject to each scheme’s rules and conditions.
“Tamkeen’s role was to improve the skills and competitiveness of Bahraini workers, expand employment opportunities and promote sustainable jobs, in line with labour market needs,” he stressed.
The minister added that support for the sports sector also included financial incentives for participants in official championships and tournaments whose achievements raise Bahrain’s profile regionally and internationally.
“The government reaffirms its commitment to developing support mechanisms that empower Bahraini talent and improve job stability across sectors.”
Meanwhile, the Old Muharraq Suq is set to gain 100 additional parking spaces under a government-approved project aimed at easing access for shoppers and visitors.
Mr Al Buainain said plans also included modifying planting areas along Shaikh Hamad Street that conflict with the project, while retaining as many trees as possible.
Detailed plans are being prepared, with implementation dependent on securing the necessary funding and co-ordination with other Muharraq development projects, he added.
The minister pointed out that the scheme would improve parking capacity while preserving the historic market’s architectural and environmental character.
The government has ruled out allocating dedicated land for a centralised complex of car showrooms and dealerships, saying such projects should be developed by private investors under existing planning regulations, in another response.
Mr Al Buainain said the Commercial Exhibitions (COM) classification was suitable for car sales agencies and showrooms.
He said approved planning maps already identified areas where such commercial activities were permitted, allowing investors to develop projects within the kingdom’s regulatory framework. The approach would support investment while preserving private-sector flexibility,” he added.
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