Helping Bahrain: Practical Steps To Make A Difference

Bahrain is a welfare state that provides free and comprehensive medical care for its nationals and expatriates. The government has established several initiatives to support its citizens, including government subsidies for electricity and water, and compensation for meat subsidies. The country also has a Social Security Fund to assist disabled individuals, the elderly, and less-privileged families. Additionally, Bahrain offers unemployment benefits and has a National Employment Programme to help Bahraini talents launch careers in the private sector.

To attract foreign investment and boost its economy, Bahrain has developed a strong financial system and offers unrestricted transfer of profits, funds, and capital. The country has a growing manufacturing sector and investment opportunities in food, industrials, and beverage. It also plans to invest in infrastructure projects, with a focus on enhancing tourism.

However, Bahrain faces challenges such as unemployment, particularly among the youth, and water scarcity. The country has taken steps to address these issues and improve the lives of its citizens.

Provide financial support for low-income individuals

The Kingdom of Bahrain has demonstrated its commitment to helping its citizens lead better lives, including those with low incomes. Here are some ways in which Bahrain is providing financial support to low-income individuals:

Government Financial Support

Bahrain's Ministry of Social Development provides direct financial support to low-income individuals to help alleviate the burdens of living. This support is means-tested, with the amount of financial aid depending on the income of the applicant. The Bahraini government has also established a Social Security Fund to finance a Social Assistance Programme, which assists disabled individuals, the elderly, and less-privileged families.

Housing Support

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning provides social housing options and e-services to eligible individuals with limited incomes who meet certain terms and conditions.

Healthcare Support

The Kingdom of Bahrain provides free healthcare to all its citizens throughout their lives. This includes dedicated services for the elderly, such as mobile units that provide home visits for those unable to visit health centres. There are also dedicated mothers' and children's units in every hospital, and the government provides vaccinations for children through an Expanded Immunisation Programme.

Microfinance Services

The Family Microfinance House, previously known as the Family Bank, is Bahrain's first Islamic microfinance institution. It aims to alleviate poverty and empower communities by providing sustainable Islamic financial services to those in need.

Unemployment Support

The Kingdom of Bahrain offers a safety net for citizens who are unemployed. A programme was launched in 2007 to provide unemployment insurance, with 1% deducted from the monthly salaries of all individuals working in Bahrain, matched by contributions from employers and the government. This fund provides monthly financial support and skills training to help unemployed Bahrainis find jobs.

Support the elderly and disabled

The Kingdom of Bahrain is committed to helping its citizens lead better lives and supports many different segments of society, including the elderly and disabled. The Ministry of Social Development provides a range of services to targeted and vulnerable groups, including the elderly and disabled.

The Ministry of Social Development has established the Elderly Discounts and Facilities Service, which offers citizens aged 60 and above a 50% discount on certain services, including passport renewal, vehicle registration certificate renewal, and driving license renewal. The Elderly Service Office coordinates the implementation of programs and services for the elderly in Bahrain, providing a package of programs and services that support raising the quality of life for the elderly and implementing the national strategy for the elderly. The office also encourages families to care for the elderly in their homes and provides all services to ensure that there is no need for permanent shelter in care homes. In addition, the office provides training and qualification programs for citizens over 60 to help them become independent and self-reliant.

The Ministry of Social Development also provides social services for the elderly, including daycare services, residential care services, and social assistance. The Ministry of Health provides a range of medical services for the elderly through mobile units, which include home visits for those unable to visit health centres.

For disabled individuals, the Ministry of Social Development, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, has established many rehabilitation centres. The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) Home for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Children, established in 1970, was the first governmental institution concerned with persons with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy. The home has two sections: the Department of Residential Care (for ages 3 and above) and the Department of Physiotherapy (for ages 1-18). The objectives of the home include rehabilitating children with disabilities, providing them with the necessary skills for self-reliance, and integrating them into society. The home also provides physiotherapy services, as well as rehabilitation, health, psychological, and social care and services for children with disabilities.

Provide healthcare for citizens and residents

Bahrain has a universal healthcare system that has been in place since 1960. Government-provided healthcare is free for citizens and subsidised for non-citizens. Healthcare expenditure accounts for 4.5% of Bahrain's GDP. The country's healthcare system is unique among its neighbouring Gulf states, as Bahraini physicians and nurses form the majority of the healthcare workforce.

The Health Insurance Law, No. 23 of 2018, came into force on 1 December 2018, establishing the National Health Regulatory Authority and a dedicated health insurance fund. This fund is to be invested and managed by an elected Board of Directors, with insurance contributions collected by healthcare providers. All nationals, residents, and visitors are required to pay for mandatory health insurance, with employers paying contributions for their foreign employees and, in some cases, their dependents. Bahraini nationals can access voluntary health insurance packages through the fund, which covers 60% of the costs of private sector hospitals or facilities. Foreign visitors are covered for emergency healthcare, but the cost of visas will increase to compensate.

The first hospital in Bahrain, the American Mission Hospital, was established in 1893 as a small dispensary. The first public hospital, the Salmaniya Medical Complex, opened in 1957, and the Psychiatric Hospital is the only public hospital of its kind in the country. There are also private hospitals throughout the country, such as the International Hospital of Bahrain.

The Kingdom of Bahrain provides free healthcare to citizens throughout their lives. The Ministry of Health provides a range of medical services for the elderly through mobile units, including home visits for those unable to visit health centres. The Ministry of Social Development provides daycare services, residential care services, and social assistance for the elderly. Many rehabilitation centres have also been established to help people with disabilities, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.

The Kingdom provides vaccinations to children through an Expanded Immunisation Programme and conducts health awareness campaigns for schools and universities in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. Dedicated mothers' and children's units are present in every hospital, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages".

Support women's empowerment

Women in Bahrain have a strong presence in many fields within the community, including health, education, sports, the judicial field, and ICT. They are key players in the Kingdom of Bahrain's development and their contributions span the full spectrum of public life, including politics, social development, and business.

• Supreme Council for Women (SCW): The SCW is the main reference point for all official organizations related to women's affairs in Bahrain. It addresses women's needs, helps unlock their full potential, and ensures their inclusion in development programs. The SCW promotes legislation and policies that provide diverse opportunities for women to enhance their quality of life. It also partners with relevant institutions to elevate women's status and turn them into role models within the Arab world.
• Bahraini Women's Day: Celebrated annually on December 1, this event recognizes Bahraini women's contributions to shaping a modern, forward-thinking society. It highlights the evolution of women's roles in Bahrain and their enthusiasm in building their society.
• Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Award: This award is given biennially to ministries and public and private entities that excel in supporting and empowering working Bahraini women. It showcases the Kingdom's progress in women's empowerment and encourages a partnership balance between women and men.
• National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women: This plan includes five pillars that aim to ensure women's family stability and cohesion, and enable them to contribute to development as equal partners. It also addresses areas such as housing, protection from violence and discrimination, and economic empowerment.
• Women's Safety and Protection: Bahrain has taken initiatives to protect its women and ensure their safety. The Supreme Council for Women launched the National Strategy to Protect Women from Domestic Violence, demonstrating the country's commitment to eliminating all forms of violence against women.
• Bahrain Businesswomen's Society (BBS): BBS is an organization founded by 16 Bahraini businesswomen to strengthen the role of female entrepreneurs and their contribution to commercial, economic, investment, and development activities. They offer mentorship and tools to help female-run businesses grow and flourish in the Kingdom.
• Tamkeen Initiatives: In cooperation with the SCW, Tamkeen has launched a series of initiatives to support women in the business world. These initiatives encourage women to become entrepreneurs and advance in their careers, thereby enhancing their success and contribution to the country's economic development.
• Royal Humanitarian Foundation: This foundation provides comprehensive care for widows and orphans, addressing their financial, educational, health, and psychological needs.
• Bahrain Development Bank: The bank offers special programs and financial services to empower women entrepreneurs through the Women Business Finance Scheme "Riyadat".
• Digital Literacy Initiatives: Various initiatives aim to enhance digital skills training for women, enabling them to use eGovernment services and participate in the national digital transformation journey. Examples include programs by the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait and the National Bank of Bahrain's 'Director Development Programme for Women'.

Provide housing for eligible people with limited incomes

The Kingdom of Bahrain believes that everyone has the right to safe, decent, and affordable housing. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning provides a range of social housing options and housing eServices to eligible people with limited incomes who meet certain terms and conditions.

The Ministry of Housing has built several major towns and continues to construct housing units throughout the Kingdom, meeting the aspirations of its citizens. The Ministry's vision is to:

> [...] support the creation of a Bahrain in which every citizen of the Kingdom, and in particular those with limited income, has access to adequate and decent housing and the opportunity to live as part of a safe and integrated community.

The Ministry aims to enhance the quality of life of all Bahraini citizens by delivering superior housing services through an innovative and sustainable housing system that strengthens both Bahrain’s society and its economy.

In 2024, the Shura Council approved amendments to the Kingdom of Bahrain's housing law, marking a crucial step forward for the housing sector. The amendments empower the Minister of Housing to introduce additional services catering specifically to citizens with limited incomes, ensuring affordable housing options. The flexibility embedded within the draft law allows the Ministry of Housing to diversify its housing services using various approaches, including ownership, rental options, financing for purchase, housing construction or rehabilitation, and the provision of housing vouchers.

The Government of Bahrain has provided close to 130,000 housing services since the Ministry of Housing's inception in the 1970s. The Government's housing support has ensured very high-standard accommodation compared to international standards, contributing to high living standards among the Bahraini population.

Frequently asked questions