The recent Cabinet meeting in Manama saw the approval of the acquisition of several properties in Muharraq as part of the urban development plan. This decision was based on a proposal put forward by the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, following the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, regarding the implementation of the Muharraq Development Plan. The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, also reviewed executive measures taken by ministers and government entities to implement a Royal Order issued by His Majesty the King. The aim of this Royal Order is to preserve the historical and cultural identity of Bahrain’s buildings and cities, including the renovation of Isa Al Kabeer Palace and the development of Muharraq in a way that respects its rich heritage.
During the meeting, the Cabinet commended Bahrain’s address at the first EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Brussels, delivered by HRH Prince Salman on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The address emphasized the shared visions of the GCC and the EU in fostering security, stability, and regional unity while calling for an end to escalation in the region to prevent wider conflict. Additionally, it called on the international community to support His Majesty the King’s initiative to convene an international peace conference on the Middle East. The efforts of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in facilitating the return of five detained Bahrainis from Yemen were also praised during the meeting.
In light of United Nations Day, the Cabinet extended congratulations to the United Nations and reaffirmed the importance of upholding the principles and values of the UN. Several memorandums were discussed during the meeting, leading to key approvals. One such approval was in response to His Majesty the King’s Royal Decree pardoning 457 inmates in celebration of the Silver Jubilee of his accession. Following the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Ministers of Interior and Labour were instructed to ensure that all pardoned individuals eligible for unemployment benefits are registered as job-seeking beneficiaries. Another approval was made regarding a memorandum from the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, who also chairs the Education and Training Quality Authority, regarding the authority’s latest reports showing improvements in the Kingdom’s educational and training institutions.
Overall, the recent Cabinet meeting in Manama focused on various important decisions and discussions related to the urban development plan in Muharraq, as well as efforts to preserve Bahrain’s historical and cultural identity. The meeting also highlighted Bahrain’s international engagement, including the address at the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit and efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. The Cabinet’s praise for the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as its commemoration of United Nations Day, underscore the government’s commitment to upholding international partnerships and values. The approvals made during the meeting, particularly in response to His Majesty the King’s Royal Decree and the Education and Training Quality Authority’s reports, reflect the government’s focus on promoting progress and development across various sectors in the Kingdom.