Bahrain’s New Private Educational Institutions Law: Licensing, Oversight and a One-Year Alignment Window

5 min 10 sec

Written by

Fatema Sarhan

Senior Associate

f.sarhan@tamimi.com View LinkedIn Profile

In January 2026, Bahrain issued Law No. (4) of 2026 issuing the Law on Private Educational Institutions, following its approval by the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives and its ratification by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The law was published in the Official Gazette on 29 January 2026 and, pursuant to Article 6 of the issuing law, entered into force on 30 January 2026, being the day following its publication.

The law introduces a comprehensive legislative framework governing the establishment, licensing, operation and oversight of private educational institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It repeals the provisions relating to private educational institutions set out in Decree-Law No. (25) of 1998 concerning Private Educational and Training Institutions, as well as any other provision that conflicts with its terms.

This update outlines the most significant provisions of the new law, with a focus on entry into force, transitional arrangements, licensing, operational obligations, curriculum controls and enforcement mechanisms.

Entry into Force and One-Year Alignment Period

The issuing law draws a clear distinction between the date the new framework takes legal effect and the period granted to existing institutions to adjust their position.

Pursuant to Article 6, the law entered into force on 30 January 2026, being the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.

At the same time, Article 4 provides transitional relief for private educational institutions already operating at the time the law entered into force. Such institutions are required to align their legal, administrative and operational status with the new law within one year from the date of entry into force, meaning that alignment must be completed by 30 January 2027.

Scope of Application and Institutional Categories

The law applies to all non-governmental private educational institutions established in Bahrain and subject to the supervision and oversight of the Ministry of Education.

The definition of “private educational institution” expressly includes:

• early education institutions, providing educational and developmental care from birth until before the compulsory education age, including nurseries and kindergartens;
• private schools, offering basic education, secondary education or both, and which may also provide early education; and
• educational centres, providing services aimed at improving academic achievement or offering education, training or professional qualification services, including for persons with special needs and educational staff.

The law further recognises:

• foreign private educational institutions, operating under foreign curricula and educational supervision and issuing home-country certificates; and
• private educational institutions for foreign communities, established and funded by foreign communities for the education of their children only.

Licensing as a Mandatory Requirement

The law expressly prohibits the establishment or operation of any private educational institution without obtaining a license from the Ministry of Education.

Licensing conditions vary depending on whether the applicant is a natural person or a legal entity. For natural persons, the law requires minimum age, legal capacity, good conduct and the absence

of certain criminal convictions or prior license cancellations, subject to limited ministerial exemptions. For legal entities, the law requires proper registration in Bahrain, an approved corporate form, and the appointment of a natural person representative who meets the applicable conditions.

License applications must be submitted to the competent department with the information and documents specified in the executive regulations. The competent department must review a completed application within sixty working days, failing which the application is deemed rejected by implication.

The law also allows the Ministry to grant initial approval pending completion of additional permits and approvals. Licenses are issued by ministerial decision once all requirements are met and the prescribed fee is paid. Each license is valid for three years and is renewable.

Applicants whose license applications are rejected may submit a grievance to the Minister within thirty days, with further rights of appeal before the competent court.

From Licensing to Operation

The law draws a clear distinction between licensing and the commencement of operations. Institutions may not admit any child or student until all operational, educational, administrative, technical, health and safety requirements are met.

Once licensed, the institution must commence operation within six months from the date of issuance of the licensing decision, unless this period is extended. Failure to do so may result in withdrawal of the licence.

The law also regulates internal governance matters, including internal regulations, staffing approvals, boards of directors, parents’ councils, recordkeeping obligations and the provision of a financial guarantee to the Ministry.

Curricula, Educational Materials and Digital Delivery

Private educational institutions may not offer or amend curricula or educational programmes without prior approval from the Ministry. The law prohibits curricula and educational materials that undermine religious, national or societal values or that contain prohibited promotional or political content.

Institutions applying non-Ministry curricula must include approved subjects such as Islamic education, Arabic language, social studies and citizenship education, subject to the detailed rules set out in the law. Additional obligations apply to foreign private educational institutions, particularly in relation to Bahraini and Arab students.

The law also permits the delivery of education through digital platforms and tools, subject to compliance with the standards and controls to be set out in the executive regulations.

Oversight, Investigations and Sanctions

The Ministry of Education is granted extensive powers of inspection, supervision and investigation to ensure compliance with the law and its implementing instruments. Authorised inspectors may enter institutions, review records and take necessary measures in the performance of their duties.

Where violations are identified, the law establishes a graduated system of administrative measures and sanctions, ranging from written warnings and administrative fines to temporary closure, Ministry management of the institution, or cancellation of the license. Criminal penalties apply in specified cases, including operating without a license or obtaining a license through fraudulent means.

Institutions are afforded rights of grievance and appeal against administrative sanctions, in accordance with the procedures and timelines set out in the law.

Conclusion

Law No. (4) of 2026 establishes a detailed and structured regulatory framework for private educational institutions in Bahrain, replacing the previous regime with clearer licensing requirements, enhanced operational standards and strengthened enforcement mechanisms.

The law entered into force on 30 January 2026, with existing private educational institutions granted a one-year period, until 30 January 2027, to align their position with its requirements. Institutions operating in the Kingdom should therefore prioritise a review of their licensing status, governance arrangements, curricula approvals and operational compliance to ensure full alignment within the statutory timeframe.