Ministry logs 343 associations, new law pending

Ministry manual expanded to 18 chapters as sector consultation gets underway 

Ministry of Social Development has registered 343 associations as of May 30, with a new law to regulate the sector still in its early stages, the ministry's undersecretary has confirmed.

Ziyad Adel Darwish revealed the registered total spans a wide range of civil organisations, including 91 charitable associations, 40 professional bodies, 22 clubs, 12 associations for people of determination, 10 co-operative societies, and three corporate social responsibility associations.

Darwish said a preliminary study for new legislation was underway but the existing legal framework would remain in place for now, noting that the Associations Law had already undergone several amendments in recent years.

The ministry is also developing a guidance manual for associations, clubs, and private institutions under its supervision. Originally drafted with just four chapters, the manual has since expanded to 18 and remains open for review.

Entities consulted during the drafting process included the Bahrain Medical Society, the Al Shakhoura Fund, the Muharraq Charitable Society, and associations representing retirees, reflecting the ministry's push for broad sector input before finalising the document.