His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, today chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting, held remotely.

HRH the Crown Prince noted that the well-being of citizens and residents continues to take precedence in all of the government’s COVID-19 response measures.

HRH the Crown Prince praised the high-level of awareness and cooperative spirit demonstrated by members of Team Bahrain, which include citizens, residents, the Executive Authority, the Legislative Authority, and the private sector.

HRH the Crown Prince emphasised the depth of community partnership in Bahrain, noting its positive impact on realising desired aspirations. In this regard, HRH outlined that every member of society contributes to the success of COVID-19 mitigation efforts through their commitment to precautionary measures, and has a responsibility to protect their community.

The Cabinet directed to tighten precautionary measures and expand mitigation efforts by further strengthening the cooperative efforts of the National Medical Taskforce, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Endowment Councils, and the Heads of Maatams, in order to ensure additional and efficient preventative measures are in place for upcoming religious and social occasions.

The Cabinet affirmed that non-compliance with precautionary health measures compromises public health and praised the continued dedicated efforts of first responders and their support network.

On the occasion of UN International Day of Charity Work, the Cabinet recalled the Kingdom of Bahrain’s pioneering humanitarian and charitable efforts, led by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

The Cabinet also welcomed the signing of the peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Revolutionary Front, noting that it is a vital step towards lasting peace and stability that achieves the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

Following the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary-General, HE Dr. Yasser bin Issa Al-Nasser, made the following remarks:

1st: In response to the directives of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, to tighten supervision and intensify inspections of workshops and garages located in industrial and commercial areas in close proximity to residential areas, HE the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism presented the results of the inspection campaigns.

 A total of 87 enterprises were inspected from the 11th to the 26th of August, of which 66% were in violation. Legal action was taken against violators and periodic inspections will be carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning.

2nd: Based on the recommendations of the Civil Service Council, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince, the Cabinet approved amendments to the organisational structure of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. Changes include abolishing an Undersecretary position, changing the name of an Undersecretary position and a Directorate, and transferring the subordination of the position of an Assistant Under Secretary and the directorates that fall under that position.

3rd: The Cabinet approved the recommendations of HE the Minister of Interior to form an “Interior Ministry Council” headed by the Minister of Interior, as part of the Ministry’s efforts to develop its security efforts and keep pace with modern systems in assessing and studying accelerated security conditions. The members of the Council and the determination of its role and procedures will be regulated by a decision from the Minister of Interior.

4th: The Cabinet approved a draft resolution that requires written approval from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs to advertise on government sports and youth facilities that are being utilised by sports clubs or other private bodies operating in the field of youth and sports mentioned in Decree-Law No. (21) of 1989. The approval was made in light of the recommendations of the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs, which were presented by HE the Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Committee.

5th: The Cabinet referred a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs. The memorandum includes the request that the National Space Science Agency (NSSA) to join the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).

6th: The Cabinet referred a memorandum on the draft charter for the establishment of the digital cooperation organisation to the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs. The memorandum was submitted by HE the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications.

7th: The Cabinet reviewed a report on the results of the decision to ban work during the afternoon hours of 12:00 to 16:00 during July and August 2020. A total of 13,658 random inspections were carried out, of which 99.7% of enterprises inspected were complying with the regulations. Less than 30 enterprises have violated the regulations with only 42 employees affected. The report was submitted by the Minister of Labour and Social Development.

8th: The Cabinet approved seven proposals which have already been implemented through the government’s past decisions. These proposals relate to the establishment and operation of rehabilitation centres and institutes, assisted living options for people with disabilities, government care and rehabilitation centres for people with disabilities and autism, flexible work for working mothers, remote work for educational institutions during the previous semester, and the correction of the legal status of illegal workers.

In the items of Ministerial reports, the Cabinet reviewed two reports submitted by HE the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs: the first regarding the Youth Empowerment Centres, and the second regarding the outcomes of the 33rd meeting of the GCC Ministers of Youth and Sports.