Three key laws aimed at bolstering the kingdom’s energy diplomacy, strengthening its intellectual property framework and promoting fairness in social insurance were unanimously approved by the Shura Council yesterday.
The first law ratifies amendments to the agreement of the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, paving the way for its transformation into the Arab Energy Organisation with an expanded mandate that covers all forms of energy rather than petroleum alone.
Foreign affairs, defence and national security committee rapporteur Dr Bassam Albinmohammed said the amendments respond to rapid shifts in the global energy sector.
“The organisation’s competencies have been broadened to include various energy fields, enhancing its ability to keep pace with regional and international developments and strengthening joint Arab action,” he said.
He added that the amendments abolish the organisation’s former judicial body and replace it with modern dispute resolution mechanisms beginning with amicable settlement and ending in arbitration, in line with international practice.
Elaborating on the importance of the reform, Oil and Environment Minister and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Daina told members the shift reflects how energy diplomacy now extends beyond oil into renewables, climate policy and cross-border co-operation.
l The council also approved a law enabling Bahrain to accede to the Locarno Agreement, which establishes an international classification system for industrial designs.
Committee rapporteur Nancy Khadoury said the move would significantly strengthen protection for industrial innovation in Bahrain.
“Joining the Locarno Agreement establishes a system aligned with international standards that protects designers’ rights, enhances transparency and raises the efficiency of the kingdom’s intellectual property framework,” she said. “It creates a supportive environment for creativity and development while unifying technical procedures for registering and examining industrial designs.”
Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro said the accession would also make Bahrain’s registration procedures more recognisable internationally, benefiting investors and designers alike.
l The third law amends Article 144 of the Social Insurance Law of 1976 to end what members described as a long-standing disparity between private and public sector pensioners regarding pension commutation loans.
Services committee rapporteur Dr Ibtisam Al Dallal said the amendment allows private sector retirees to apply for a new commutation loan two years after their last one – the same rule that already applies to government retirees.
Currently, private sector pensioners must wait until their previous loan is fully repaid, which can take many years.
Labour and Legal Affairs Minister Yousif Khalaf said the amendment promotes fairness while maintaining the financial sustainability of the insurance system.
All three draft laws – earlier approved by Parliament – have now been referred to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification.
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