Bahrain is set to revive the mukhtar system in a modernised form, with the aim of improving communication between residents and the government and better responding to societal needs at a local level, the Interior Ministry said this week.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, who announced the decision, spoke with governors of all southern regions in the country, the deputy minister of interior, the chief of public security, and the general coordinator of governorates.
The meeting was devoted to the new system and the ways in which it could help in identifying and responding to social problems with greater coordination between local authorities and the government agencies dealing with them.
Under the updated framework, mukhtars — a traditional local representative role — will report to governors while working alongside relevant government bodies.
Their mandate covers several areas: reinforcing social cohesion within neighbourhoods, flagging emerging social needs and problems, supporting crime-prevention initiatives, and serving as a communication bridge between residents and the institutions that serve them.
Shaikh Rashid emphasised that Bahrain’s governorates carry significant responsibility for building a secure society rooted in civic awareness and a strong culture of public safety.
He described sustained, positive engagement between authorities and residents — carried out partly through community councils — as part of the kingdom’s national and cultural heritage, one he said should be preserved and expanded rather than allowed to lapse.
The minister also commended the governorates for deepening cooperation with various government entities, broadening partnerships with local communities, and improving the efficiency of public service delivery.
Officials framed the mukhtar system’s return as part of a wider push to decentralise aspects of community engagement while keeping local security efforts closely tied to formal government oversight — a model authorities say reflects Bahrain’s longstanding approach to balancing tradition with modern governance.
No timeline was given for when mukhtars will begin operating under the new structure, though officials indicated further details would follow as governorates begin implementation.
