Gulf Digital News, 21 July 2026: Bahrain’s Social Development Ministry, in consultation with civil society representatives, is reviewing a draft procedural guide aimed at strengthening governance, transparency, and financial compliance across the non‑profit sector.
The preliminary draft, consisting of 18 chapters, covers organisational, administrative, and financial matters including establishment and registration, fundraising, foreign affiliations, financial management, anti‑money laundering and counter‑terrorism financing, conflict of interest policies, investment, and procedures for mergers or dissolution.
One of the most notable provisions requires societies to maintain three separate bank accounts, for operations, fundraising, and project funding, to prevent the mixing of funds and enhance oversight. The draft also introduces stricter controls on foreign affiliations, mandating prior approval from the Social Development Ministry before joining external entities or commitments. Applications not decided within 45 days would be deemed rejected.
Conflict of interest rules require disclosure of board member or employee relationships, with documentation of reasons for appointing relatives and exclusion of related board members from recruitment processes. The draft further outlines financial risk indicators, procedures for unusual donations and overseas transfers, and mandatory notification of certain donations.
The ministry emphasised that the guide is a procedural reference, not a replacement for existing laws, with consultations ongoing before adoption.
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