Bahrain Approves New Law, Allowing Legal Practice in English
Historic decree replaces 46-year-old framework, modernizing the sector and permitting English-language legal proceedings to boost international business.
- Publish date: Tuesday، 28 April 2026 Reading time: two min read
Bahrain has taken a significant step toward modernizing its judicial landscape with the approval of a new law regulating the legal profession. The legislation, attached to Decree No. 16 of 2025, was recently ratified by both the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council, concluding nearly three years of extensive deliberation and collaboration between the government, the Bahrain Bar Association, and legal practitioners. This new framework officially supersedes a regulatory system that has governed the kingdom's legal sector for approximately 46 years, signaling a major transformation in how legal services are delivered and regulated in the Gulf nation.
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The primary objectives of the updated legislation are to enhance the quality of legal services, safeguard the rights of both attorneys and their clients, and elevate overall professional standards within the industry. By updating the rules that have remained largely unchanged for decades, the law seeks to create a more robust and transparent environment for legal practice. The reforms are designed to align Bahrain's legal infrastructure with contemporary international standards, thereby fostering greater confidence among local and foreign investors who rely on the efficiency and clarity of the kingdom's judicial system.
One of the most notable provisions of the new law is the explicit allowance for legal practice in English. This change is expected to dramatically expand the scope of work available to lawyers in Bahrain, facilitating smoother interactions with international corporations and foreign entities operating within the kingdom. By removing language barriers that previously limited the ability of non-Arabic speakers to navigate the legal system effectively, the reform aims to position Bahrain as a more competitive hub for regional and global commerce. Legal experts anticipate that this move will attract more international law firms and encourage greater specialization within the local bar, ultimately driving the continued development of the sector.