Bahrain Unveils 12-Point Plan to Achieve Budget Surplus by 2026

Bahrain, 5 March, 2025 : Bahrain’s government has proposed a 12-point action plan aimed at achieving a budget surplus and strengthening financial stability. The plan, part of the 2025-2026 national budget draft, was presented by Finance Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa to legislators.

Key measures include corporate profit taxes, VAT adjustments, selective taxes on unhealthy foods, and carbon emission fees. Plans also involve liberalizing fuel, electricity, and water prices while maintaining subsidies for citizens, introducing infrastructure and wastewater fees, and implementing mandatory health insurance for expatriates.

The budget aims to optimize spending, enhance government services, and ensure economic growth while reducing debt. Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam and Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving national financial goals.

Discussions on the proposals are ongoing, with joint meetings scheduled until a consensus is reached. The measures are expected to eliminate Bahrain’s BD3.8 billion deficit and generate a BD25 million surplus by 2026.