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Sixty-two societies, associations and clubs in Bahrain have been ordered to dissolve and liquidate in one sweeping decision, affecting organisations spanning charity, youth affairs, professional bodies, cultural activities and social welfare.
The compulsory dissolution was ordered by Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi under Decision No 16 of 2026, published in the latest edition of the Official Gazette.
The decision appoints Talal Abu-Ghazaleh and Partners International as liquidator for all 62 organisations, with the liquidation process scheduled to run for 18 months from the date of the decision.
The organisations range from charitable societies and professional medical associations to expatriate clubs, environmental groups, women’s organisations and youth initiatives.
Among those listed are the Southern Region Charitable Association, Al Baraka Charitable Social Association, Bahrain Environment Association, Bahrain Child Safety Association and Bahrain Youth Forum Society.
The dissolution also affects several organisations associated with expatriate and international communities, including the Egyptian Club in Bahrain, the Korean Club, the Kuwait Students Club in Bahrain, the Australians Association in Bahrain, the Bahrain-Bangladeshi Friendship Society and the Bahrain-French Business Club.
The list also includes the Gulf Co-operation Council Orthopedic Surgeons Association, the Arabian Gulf Psychiatrists Association, the Bahraini Academics Association, the Bahrain Association for Young Arab Leaders and the Bahrain Money Changers Association.
Under the decision, members, administrators and employees of the dissolved organisations are prohibited from continuing their activities or disposing of their funds from the date the decision takes effect.
Those responsible for managing the organisations must hand over all relevant documents and records to the ministry.
Employees, banks holding the organisations’ funds and debtors are also prohibited from disposing of their affairs, assets or rights without written authorisation from the ministry and in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Any funds remaining after liquidation will be transferred to the Civil Social Work Fund, subject to the provisions of the relevant legislation and the bylaws of each dissolved organisation.
The decision is based on Bahrain’s Law on Associations, Social and Cultural Clubs, Private Bodies Operating in the Field of Youth and Sports, and Private Institutions, issued under Decree-Law No 21 of 1989 and its amendments.
It cites Article 50 of the law as the legal basis for compulsory dissolution and also refers to the model bylaws governing associations and social and cultural clubs supervised by the ministry.
The list includes charitable organisations such as Al Amal Charity Association and Al Farouq Charity Association, alongside the Bahrain Youth Association, the Islamic Youth Association, the Young Entrepreneurs Association and the Bahrain Youth Society.
Professional and specialist bodies affected include the Bahrain Driving Instructors Association, the Foreign Exchange Dealers Association, the Gulf Chemical Areas Association and the Bahrain Industry Association.
Cultural and social organisations also feature prominently, including the Bahrain Round Table Association, the Bahrain Bridge Club, the Art of Living Association and the Bahrain Talent and Creativity Association.
The decision takes effect immediately, with the under-secretary responsible for implementation.
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