Bahrain’s Shura Council Approves Adoption of GCC Land Transport Law

The GCC’s unified law on international land transport has been approved by Bahrain’s Shura Council, paving the way for standardised rules governing passenger and logistics movement across member states.

Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the legislation would address regulatory gaps, protect national transporters and strengthen regional economic integration. He noted that Bahrain currently relies on limited provisions under the 2014 Traffic Law and ministerial regulations, which have struggled to keep pace with the sector’s growth.

Under the new framework, a unified violations regime will apply across borders, enhancing safety and security for both passenger and freight transport. The law was launched in 2022, with Saudi Arabia the first to approve it, but regulatory differences among states had delayed wider implementation, the minister said.

Concerns raised by the private sector, including the Bahrain Chamber, have been taken into account, particularly around unfair competition between Bahraini and other GCC companies. The minister said the system would help position Bahrain for a larger role in international transport, noting that the kingdom has around 150 registered logistics firms operating more than 2,300 vehicles.

He added that discussions were under way with the Interior Ministry to address the parking of heavy vehicles in residential areas, citing the lack of suitable yards. Opening additional space at the King Fahad Causeway would help ease the problem, he said, stressing that no new fees would be introduced without consultation with the Bahrain Chamber and Saudi authorities.

The minister also warned that some Bahraini transport companies were operating illegally in Saudi Arabia, saying the new rules would curb such practices while opening legitimate opportunities for young Bahrainis entering the sector.

Violations and bans on transporters will be governed by executive bylaws agreed by all GCC states, with challenges handled by the Urgent Matters Court. The law also introduces remote inspections to speed up procedures and reduce bureaucracy.

Shura foreign affairs, defence and national security committee rapporteur Abdulla Al Nuaimi said the decree law reflected Bahrain’s commitment to GCC decisions and aimed to deepen co-ordination and connectivity among member states. He added that unified technical standards and tighter oversight would enhance road safety and protect lives and property, while boosting trade and supply chains.

Other members said the law would strengthen Bahrain’s integration into regional and international transport networks, complement existing maritime and commercial transport legislation, and support intra-GCC trade.

The decree law has now been referred to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification.

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