Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa stressed that the government’s direction was clear from the outset – ensuring the budget was completed on time through tireless efforts from both government and parliamentary teams to reach agreements in the interest of all citizens.
“We worked every day during Ramadan to finalise agreements that serve the people, especially during this critical period,” he explained.
However, this does not mean that the deficit issue or the planned initiatives for citizens have been fully resolved. “Work will continue beyond 2025, as it is an ongoing effort that requires continuous collaboration,” he added.
Shaikh Salman highlighted the importance of collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in every budget cycle, stressing that transparency and effective communication with legislators from Parliament and the Shura Council were key throughout the process.
He also reaffirmed that the government operated under the leadership’s directives ensuring that all projects and programmes were designed to benefit citizens, enhance living standards, and create new opportunities.
“We acknowledge that financial challenges remain, particularly concerning the budget deficit,” said Shaikh Salman.
He outlined the government’s approach to gradually reducing the deficit without affecting citizens’ well-being, price stability, or the availability of essential goods.
“There are multiple options to address the deficit,” he added. “It is much higher than it should be, but we must work together on sustainable solutions that do not negatively impact people,” Shaikh Salman explained.
He also confirmed direct cash support suggested for low-income citizens in case of changes to subsidised commodity prices had been removed during this budget cycle, keeping things as they are.
“We need to invest in legislative reforms, national workforce development and infrastructure to ensure long-term economic stability all at once,” he said. “New measures are set to come and legislators need to work with us on them.”
Shaikh Salman provided an insight into efforts to diversify government revenues, highlighting an increase in the share of non-oil revenues.
“The share of non-oil revenue will rise from seven per cent to 8pc, mainly through a corporate tax structure for multinational companies,” he explained. “This system will be designed in a way that does not burden citizens or disrupt economic stability as we explore tax on local companies.
“The government has ensured that tax policies do not impact the availability of goods or price stability, which remains a top priority.”
Shaikh Salman also confirmed that money had been allocated to the Citizens Fund to support essential initiatives, including inflation relief and food subsidies, but discussions on its future management remain ongoing.
He reiterated his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of government ministries and Parliament, emphasising that the joint work during Ramadan ensured rapid decision-making and data transparency.
“The ministries worked relentlessly throughout Ramadan to ensure all required information and figures were provided quickly,” he added. “I extend my sincere gratitude to my team at the ministry, all ministers and their teams.
“This has been a shared effort, and we look forward to continuing this fruitful co-operation for the benefit of the country and its people.”
Shaikh Salman reiterated that health, education and housing remain the government’s top priorities, ensuring that projects, schemes and initiatives reach all constituencies.
Meanwhile, Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi, confirmed that 300 new homes were planned as part of a larger project, including the Isa Al Kabeer Palace development in Muharraq.
“The Muharraq Redevelopment Project is getting attention and we are working on modernisation and preservation,” she said. “Work on multiple housing and urban development projects is going ahead across the country.”
Also speaking, Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma said that education remains a key sector in the 2025-2026 budget, with multiple initiatives planned.
“Hiring Bahraini educators, particularly fresh graduates from the Bahrain Teachers College, is one aspect,” he said. “As well as co-ordination with the Civil Service Commission to announce new job openings in the education sector.”
New school construction, academic infrastructure expansion were on the agenda alongside major renovation projects, covering 80 schools across Bahrain.
Special education expansion, including 13 additional classrooms for students with autism, and recruitment of specialised teachers were also planned, the meeting heard.
Cabinet Affairs Minister Hamad Al Malki, who is politically responsible for Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, highlighted the role of Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund in supporting economic projects.
“Following a Parliament proposal, top companies under Mumtalakat are now listing vacancies in the government’s job bank signalling continued employment efforts,” he added.
Acting Labour Minister and Legal Affairs Minister Yousif Khalaf said multiple national employment initiatives were on the way.
“We are exploring effective initiatives and developing existing ones to get quality and excellent jobs for Bahrainis,” he added.
Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed pointed out that the health sector was set to see advancements and developments too.
“It is not just new facilities, or availability of more health options through the National Health Insurance Scheme, but also breakthrough advanced medical treatment,” she said.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak said several municipal and community projects were coming across the country.
“Whether it is public parks, coastal areas, markets or green zones – this all awaits the allocation of necessary funding,” he said.
Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain, who is politically responsible for the Civil Service Commission, said plans were ongoing to train Bahrainis to fill government jobs and reduce the reliance on expatriates.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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