Policy & Legislation Sector

Since the onset of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's reign, the Kingdom of Bahrain has entered an era characterized by prosperity and growth. This period has witnessed historic advancements in the electoral process, the revision of the Constitution, and widespread regional recognition.

Significant progress has been observed across various sectors, particularly in the political and legislative arenas. Notable milestones include the establishment of the Supreme Judicial Council in 2000 and the introduction of the National Action Charter in 2001. This Charter, promulgated by royal decree and endorsed by 98.4% of the population, which laid the groundwork for Bahrain’s achievements across multiple domains. Furthermore, the issuance of the Press, Printing, and Publishing Law highlighted this period of development.

In 2002, Bahrain established its first Constitutional Court, tasked with overseeing the constitutionality of laws and regulations, thereby enhancing the country’s legal framework. That same year, Bahrain revised its Constitution in accordance with the principles outlined in the National Action Charter, transitioning to a constitutional monarchy founded on justice, equality, and transparency. The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain serves as a key reference, embodying principles that uphold political, civil, economic, social, and cultural rights.

The 2002 parliamentary elections marked another pivotal moment, reflecting Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening democratic practices and public participation. These elections reinforced Bahrain’s democratic progress under His Majesty’s leadership, positioning the Kingdom as a leading democracy in the region and earning it global recognition.

Over the course of six legislative terms of the Shura Council and the council of Representatives, significant achievements have been made across political, economic, and social domains. A total of 641 laws have been enacted, contributing to the development of Bahrain’s legal and regulatory framework. These legislative bodies have also played a crucial role in addressing issues of public concern and collaborating with the executive branch to tackle various challenges, while working towards fulfilling the nation's aspirations.

Several key legislative and institutional milestones have further solidified Bahrain’s progress. In 2003, the Unemployment Insurance Law was enacted, and the Public Prosecution Office was established. The Bahrain Institute for Political Development followed in 2005, while the Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution and the National Institution for Human Rights were founded in 2009. Subsequent years saw the introduction of critical legislation, including the Labour Law for the private sector in 2012, the creation of the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission in 2013, and the establishment of the Council for Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions in 2014.

Bahrain’s legal framework continued to evolve with the introduction of landmark laws, such as the Alternative Sentencing Law in 2017, the Data Protection Law in 2018, and the new Maritime Law in 2022. These reforms reflect a forward-looking royal vision and aspirations for a bright and prosperous future for the Kingdom of Bahrain.