The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in Bahrain has recently issued a decree prohibiting land subdivision in areas that lack infrastructure within the villages and cities of the country. This ban, outlined in Decision No. 788 of 2024, is aimed at ensuring that proper infrastructure is in place before any further development takes place. The decision states that subdivision is prohibited in areas that lack infrastructure, have incomplete infrastructure, or if the existing infrastructure does not align with the proposed subdivision.
This ban will remain in effect until the reason for the prohibition is resolved. However, the ban can be lifted if the landowner undertakes the necessary infrastructure development at their own expense within a timeframe set by the Minister. This timeframe can be extended upon recommendation from the CEO of the Housing Authority. Landowners are required to provide a notarized statement confirming their commitment to infrastructure development at their own expense, as well as another notarized statement confirming that they will not lease, sell, or dispose of any land within the subdivision before the completion of infrastructure works.
In addition, landowners who wish to dispose of any land before the completion of infrastructure works must provide a guarantee to the Housing Authority ensuring the completion of these works. They are allowed to dispose of a portion of the subdivided land, but the total value of the disposed land cannot exceed the total construction cost plus 5% of that cost. The Housing Authority, with recommendation from the CEO, will determine the number of plots that can be disposed of, subject to the Minister’s approval. This approval will specify the plots that can be disposed of.
The purpose of this decree is to ensure that proper infrastructure is in place before any land subdivision takes place, in order to avoid any issues that may arise from inadequate infrastructure. By requiring landowners to undertake infrastructure development at their own expense and provide guarantees for the completion of these works, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning aims to uphold the standards of urban development in Bahrain. This decision also allows for the monitoring and approval of any land disposal before the completion of infrastructure works, ensuring that the development process is carried out in a controlled and responsible manner.
The temporary ban on land subdivision in areas lacking infrastructure within Bahrain’s villages and cities is a measure taken by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to regulate urban development in the country. By implementing this ban and outlining the conditions for lifting it, the Ministry is emphasizing the importance of proper infrastructure in the development process. With the requirement for landowners to provide guarantees for infrastructure completion and restrictions on land disposal before completion, this decision aims to ensure that urban development in Bahrain is executed in a systematic and sustainable manner.
Overall, the decree prohibiting land subdivision in areas lacking infrastructure within Bahrain is a step towards ensuring that urban development in the country is carried out in a responsible and regulated manner. By requiring landowners to undertake infrastructure development at their own expense and provide guarantees for the completion of these works, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning is setting a standard for urban development that prioritizes the presence of proper infrastructure. With this decision in place, Bahrain aims to prevent any potential issues that may arise from inadequate infrastructure and ensure that urban development is carried out in a sustainable and organized manner.
