MPs weigh the cost of living, urban policy, and economic reforms in a key parliamentary session
Joint Committee Leads Manama Souq Redevelopment Efforts
TDT | Manama
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Private-sector representatives are actively involved in plans to redevelop the historic Manama Souq, Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi told MPs.
She said traders were consulted from the early planning stage, and their feedback and proposals were incorporated to ensure strong outcomes for the project.
The redevelopment is part of a broader national effort, carried out under directives from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and overseen by Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, aimed at preserving the souq’s heritage while enhancing its appeal for tourism and business.
A joint committee led by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning is coordinating the project, ensuring alignment among government entities and accelerating progress. Officials confirmed that the urban design guide has been completed and parts of the redevelopment are already under way.
The committee is also addressing issues related to the fire-damaged section of the souq, reviewing proposals and coordinating solutions in line with the overall development vision.
MPs Call for Cap on Petrol Prices
MPs have submitted an urgent proposal to cap the prices of regular (Jayyed) and premium (Mumtaz) petrol to shield households from global fuel price swings.
Led by MP Abdulhakeem Al Sheno, the proposal calls for a maximum price limit, a pricing formula linked to income and inflation, and temporary support for low- and middle-income groups.
Lawmakers warned that since fuel price liberalisation in January 2026, families have been exposed to rising costs driven by global markets. They stressed that fuel is a key household expense, directly impacting transport and overall living costs.
The proposal also seeks quarterly government reports on fuel pricing and its effect on inflation, urging swift action to balance economic sustainability with public welfare.
Parliament eases path for questioning ministers
A a proposal to amend key provisions of its internal regulations, lowering the threshold required to proceed with ministerial questioning and strengthening oversight approved by Parliament.
The amendment reduces the majority needed to determine the seriousness of an interrogation from two-thirds of members to a simple majority, making it procedurally easier for MPs to activate one of Parliament’s most powerful accountability tools.
MPs Ahmed Salman Al Musallam, Abdulnabi Salman Ahmed, Ahmed Abdulwahid Qarata, Mahmood Mirza Fardan, and Zainab Abdulameer Khalil submitted the proposal as part of efforts to enhance parliamentary scrutiny.
Under the revised framework, the process of initiating an interrogation is expected to become more accessible, aligning voting thresholds with other parliamentary decisions and addressing what MPs described as procedural barriers in the current system.
The proposal also introduces a provision allowing the government, the Speaker, or at least ten MPs to request that interrogation sessions be held in closed sessions. If two-thirds of members reject the request, the session proceeds publicly.
Tour Guide Row Over 28% Foreign Share in Bahrain
A parliamentary debate has been sparked after MP Mahdi Al Shuwaikh revealed that expatriates make up 28% of licensed tourist guides in Bahrain, despite rules prioritising Bahrainis. Al Shuwaikh raised concerns over national identity, calling tour guides “the first face” visitors see, and questioned possible violations of licensing rules. Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi denied any breaches, stating foreign guides are only licensed when needed for rare languages such as Chinese and Russian.
She confirmed that Bahrainis remain the priority, with new regulations, training programmes, and awareness campaigns planned to increase local participation in the sector.
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