Parliament is set to debate urgent legislation ratifying an agreement to host the International Date Observatory headquarters in the kingdom.
The draft law was unanimously endorsed in principle by the public utilities and environment affairs committee, which has now submitted its report ahead of Tuesday’s weekly session.
If approved, the agreement will formalise Bahrain as the permanent home of the Observatory, a specialised body operating under the International Date Council, tasked with collecting, analysing and publishing global data on date production, trade and markets.
Committee chairman MP Mohammed Al Bulooshi said the move would place Bahrain at the centre of international decision-making related to one of the region’s most strategic agricultural sectors.
“This agreement reflects international confidence in Bahrain’s institutional capabilities and its ability to host global organisations,” he said. “The International Date Observatory will serve as a reliable global reference for data and indicators that support sound policymaking across member states.”
Signed in Manama on September 22, 2025, the agreement consists of 12 articles and grants the Observatory legal personality, allowing it to enter contracts, own movable and immovable property, and manage funds, all in accordance with Bahraini law.
While the observatory will enjoy operational independence, Bahrain retains full authority to protect national security, public order and safety under exceptional circumstances.
Crucially, the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry confirmed that the agreement places no financial burden on Bahrain.
All establishment and operating costs – including administrative, technical and logistical expenses – will be borne entirely by the International Date Council.
“This is a strategic gain without fiscal cost,” Mr Al Bulooshi said. “Bahrain benefits from hosting an international headquarters that enhances its global profile while avoiding any direct financial obligations.”
The ministry also revealed that Bahrain’s date production reached approximately 14,000 tonnes in 2024, underscoring the kingdom’s growing role among regional date-producing nations.
While the ministry does not oversee date-processing industries, officials stressed that the observatory would support the entire value chain by providing high-quality international data and research.
The Foreign Ministry described the observatory as a strategic initiative designed to make Bahrain a regional and international hub for agricultural research, expertise exchange and data-driven development in the palm and date sector.
Under the agreement, communication between the observatory and Bahraini government entities will be co-ordinated through the Foreign Ministry, ensuring diplomatic oversight and institutional alignment.
The committee’s report recommended approval of the draft law without amendments, noting that it aligns with Bahrain’s broader sustainable development goals and its efforts to attract reputable international institutions.
Parliament is expected to debate the legislation during Tuesday’s session.
Meanwhile, MPs will also discuss two proposals postponed due to time constraints during the last session. They are :
- Turning the old East Riffa Centre into a tumour treatment centre.
- Building a multi-purpose hall in Isa Town.
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