Report: Yasmine Al-Aqeedat
A number of heads of civil society organizations and associations stressed the importance of the legislative amendments recently ratified by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the country, after the approval of the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives.
Which stipulates that it is prohibited for social and cultural associations, clubs, private bodies working in the field of youth and sports, and private institutions issued by Decree Law No. (21) of 1989, to engage in politics.
Or engage in financial speculation. As an exception, the association may invest its surplus funds to achieve a financial return that will help it achieve its objectives in accordance with the provisions of this law and the decisions issued in implementation thereof.
The investment must be safe, not in high-risk investment instruments, and in the local market.
They described the amendments as a pioneering legislative step that strengthens the role of civil society institutions and NGOs and advances them toward sustainability and financial independence, by allowing NGOs to invest their funds in safe and well-considered projects.
They emphasized that this step represents a qualitative shift in the path of civil society work, opening new horizons for civil society organizations and institutions to develop their services and enhance their efficiency in serving the community.
They added that these amendments embody a far-sighted royal vision aimed at empowering civil society and encouraging it to adopt more sustainable and professional financing models.
Moving away from total reliance on donations, they emphasized that this legal shift represents a strategic opportunity to enhance transparency, expand community impact, and improve the efficiency of financial management within associations.
For her part, MP Jalila Alawi Al-Sayed, Chair of the House of Representatives' Services Committee, called on associations to take advantage of the new legal amendments to develop their operating mechanisms and enhance the sustainability of their resources in accordance with legal regulations.
A step towards strengthening the independence of associations
Anwar Bouhassan, President of the Arab Union for Volunteering and President of the Good Word Association, stressed that the royal directives reflect a wise vision aimed at promoting sustainable development and enabling associations to achieve financial sustainability through safe and well-considered investments.
It represents a strategic step towards strengthening the role of civil society in economic and social development, which contributes to the advancement of the nation and the well-being of its citizens.
The head of the Good Word Association added that, according to the recent amendments to the Associations Law, it has become possible to enhance the financial sustainability of associations and support their activities without relying entirely on donations or traditional funding.
The new law allows associations to invest their surplus funds, providing them with an additional and sustainable source of income, instead of relying entirely on irregular donations. All of this reduces financial pressures.
It gives boards the ability to plan long-term without constantly worrying about funding.
He explained that opening new horizons for resource development opens the door wide for associations to enhance their financial resources through projects with financial returns, such as real estate investments or local business partnerships.
These revenues can be used to fund new projects, implement more sustainable and efficient programs, and implement more impactful community initiatives that better serve the community and provide higher-quality services.
He stressed that this law will encourage boards of directors to undertake long-term financial planning and adopt more professional management models, relying on investment as a source of income. It will also push associations to develop strong financial and investment plans.
Which prompts it to adopt more professional management systems that include risk assessment, strategic planning, and periodic financial performance analysis.
This will contribute to raising the level of efficiency and governance within associations. It also represents a step towards strengthening associations' independence and supporting their sustainable growth, enabling them to serve the community in more efficient and innovative ways.
Community Participation and Promoting Active Citizenship
For her part, Rima Ahmed Bin Shams, General Manager of the Yoko Parents' House, confirmed that this generous royal gesture represents an advanced step towards strengthening the legal framework regulating the work of institutions and associations of a community nature.
It clearly embodies the insightful vision of His Majesty the King and his constant commitment to empowering civil society institutions to play their role as vital partners in the process of national construction and sustainable development.
The Director General of the Yoko Parents' Home indicated that this decision reflects the wisdom of His Majesty the King and his comprehensive future vision.
Which places people at the heart of the development process and pays special attention to everything that would promote civil work and institutions with a humanitarian and social mission.
This is what His Majesty has consistently pursued within the framework of a comprehensive reform project that has made the Kingdom of Bahrain a model to be emulated in community participation and the promotion of active citizenship.
The Director General said, "This decision is a great incentive to continue our journey of serving the elderly and people with special needs, developing our programs, and enhancing their societal impact, in line with the royal directives and the Kingdom's vision to support institutions with a humanitarian and social mission."
She added that it represents a qualitative turning point that will enable private institutions to expand the scope of their services, enhance their legal and administrative stability, and consolidate their position within the national work system, particularly in areas that have a direct impact on citizens' quality of life.
A golden opportunity for associations for people with disabilities
Adel Sultan Al Mutawa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Centre for International Mobility, stressed that this amendment represents a strategic step towards empowering associations, especially associations for people with disabilities. To achieve independence and financial sustainability, these associations are now able to finance their vital programmes and services, such as rehabilitation therapy and inclusive education.
Or supported employment without worrying about funding cuts, in addition to creating a self-financing system that enhances the ability of these associations to provide quality and continuous services to people with disabilities.
The Council Chairman added that the law opens new horizons, especially for associations of persons with disabilities, as they constantly need sufficient financial resources to provide a comprehensive and integrated environment for their members through safe local investment.
These associations can launch profitable social projects such as training workshops, specialized service centers, and community cafes managed by people with disabilities, diversifying their financial resources.
This is reflected in the efficiency of implementing rehabilitation, awareness, and integration programs, and developing their infrastructure in a sustainable manner, which facilitates the implementation of their programs on a wider scale and with greater effectiveness.
He also stressed that it represents a golden opportunity for associations for people with disabilities to expand their activities and increase their societal impact, as the financial return from the investment can be used to launch new programs (such as vocational training or family support). Associations can move from their traditional role to becoming an economic and social actor.
It also helps open new branches or provide specialized services that were previously unavailable due to limited funding. A portion of the proceeds can be allocated to support initiatives to economically empower people with disabilities.
He stressed the importance of disability associations adopting professional financial management to ensure the safety of their investments, which will enhance the preparation of long-term strategic and financial plans instead of temporary solutions, and the development of an administrative structure that includes qualified financial and investment departments or committees.
Applying concepts such as corporate governance, transparency, risk management, and financial evaluation, in addition to striving to qualify administrative cadres in the fields of investment and accounting to ensure optimal use of resources.
Building financial reserves to meet future challenges
Ahlam Ahmed bin Rajab, President of the Bahrain Women's Union, said that this amendment represents a qualitative shift in the work of civil society organizations with appropriate capabilities, helping them free themselves from total dependence on donations, which are typically fluctuating and conditional.
The Federation's president emphasized that associations can achieve a steady and sustainable financial return, enhancing their ability to plan projects sustainably. This will also contribute to building financial reserves to address future challenges without interrupting or reducing services.
She pointed out that they look forward to the return of financial grants and expenditures that the government had been providing to civil society, which would greatly assist in planning ambitious and purposeful future programmes.
Pointing out that there are civil society organizations and institutions that need support, as they can establish smart partnerships with the private sector by presenting the idea of a joint social development project.
The association can attract financial and logistical support from private sector companies as part of its social responsibility programs, as this is a national duty for private sector companies.
She pointed out that through this amendment, associations can now consider diversifying their resources, which will allow them to finance their programmes independently, develop their institutional capacities and employ specialised competencies that enhance the efficiency of project implementation.
This will contribute to supporting the national economy, given the investment law's involvement in the local market and its deepening developmental role. However, it is important to emphasize that most associations require financial support in order to achieve financial independence.
She also indicated that this amendment will allow associations to expand the scope of their services and launch new initiatives targeting community needs.
Strengthening the spirit of national responsibility
MP Jalila Alawi Al Sayed, Head of the Services Committee at the Council of Representatives, also praised the approval of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the country.
On Law No. (24) of 2025 amending some provisions of the Law on Associations, Clubs and Private Bodies,
Considering that this law represents a qualitative shift in the path of civil and community work in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and paves the way for a more professional, transparent, and sustainable phase.
MP Jalila Alawi confirmed that the Parliamentary Services Committee had made great efforts during the last session to study the draft law and discuss it with the relevant authorities.
Providing visions for the development of legislation that balances responsible freedom with the requirements of financial oversight and institutional regulation, ensuring the protection of association funds and enhancing the credibility of civil society work in the Kingdom.
She explained that the amendments included in the decree, most notably regulating the investment of association funds and prohibiting high-risk financial speculation,
It will contribute to improving the efficiency of associations' financial management and enhancing community confidence in their activities and initiatives, stressing that this approach is in line with national aspirations to build a strong and resilient civil society.
MP Jalila Alawi called on all civil society organizations and institutions to work to enhance the spirit of national responsibility and ensure the adoption of the highest international standards in governance.
Digital transformation, financial disclosure, and resource development enhance the role of these entities as development engines and partners in building the future.
She stressed that the next phase requires greater seriousness and discipline from everyone, calling on associations to take advantage of the new legal amendments to develop their working mechanisms and enhance the sustainability of their resources in accordance with legal regulations.
Affirming the Committee's continued support for any efforts that serve civil society work and raise the level of institutional performance.
