His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince and Prime Minister has issued Decision No 17 of 2026 to extend the term of municipal councils in a move driven by current circumstances and their impact on institutional continuity across the Kingdom.

The decision reflects an urgent administrative need to maintain uninterrupted municipal operations ensuring that local governance functions and public services continue efficiently during a sensitive period.

According to Article One the term of municipal councils will be extended for six months starting from the official end date of their current mandate with councils continuing to fully exercise their responsibilities until new municipal councils are formed.

This extension aims to prevent any administrative gap and to sustain service delivery to citizens while safeguarding the execution of development projects and essential municipal responsibilities throughout the extension period.

Article Two mandates all relevant authorities to implement the provisions of this decision within their respective jurisdictions with the decree coming into effect on the day following its publication in the official gazette in accordance with established legal procedures.