Mediation in Bahrain

Quick Facts

• Legal Framework: The Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution (BCDR) was established by Legislative Decree No. 30 of 2009, amended by Legislative Decree No. 64 of 2014 and Legislative Decree No. 26 of 2021. BCDR is an i...
• Cultural Approach: Bahrain's cultural approach to ADR reflects its position as a regional business hub. The increased use of mediation and arbitration indicates cultural acceptance of alternative dispute resolution. Bus...
• Typical Costs: BCDR rules include features enhancing procedural and time efficiency with accessible fee schedules aimed at moderating arbitration and mediation costs. The emphasis on cost effectiveness is a key feat...

Mediation Research

Legal Framework

The Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution (BCDR) was established by Legislative Decree No. 30 of 2009, amended by Legislative Decree No. 64 of 2014 and Legislative Decree No. 26 of 2021. BCDR is an independent international dispute-resolution centre providing efficient and cost effective administration of commercial and investment arbitration, mediation, and other ADR forms. Bahrain has seen increased use of mediation and arbitration as ways to resolve disputes more efficiently and cost effectively. Businesses recognise benefits including faster resolution times, greater control over outcomes, and reduced costs.

Court System

Bahrain's court system is integrated with BCDR through the BCDR Court, which handles disputes brought before it. BCDR has a casework secretariat overseen by Chief Executive Officer including chief registrar and case management team of lawyers and caseworkers. The courts support arbitration and will strike out claims brought contrary to agreements to arbitrate. Bahraini courts provide limited assistance to arbitrations including granting interim injunctions, appointing receivers, examining witnesses on oath, securing disputed amounts, and preserving property.

Mediator Regulations

BCDR provides arbitration and mediation services with procedural and time efficiency. Both sets of rules include features enhancing efficiency and accessible fee schedules aimed at moderating costs. BCDR published specialised sports arbitration rules in 2022. Professional standards are maintained through BCDR's board of trustees fulfilling primary governance role. The secretariat includes lawyers and caseworkers fluent in English, Arabic, and French with continuing professional development.

Cultural Approach

Bahrain's cultural approach to ADR reflects its position as a regional business hub. The increased use of mediation and arbitration indicates cultural acceptance of alternative dispute resolution. Businesses recognise benefits including faster resolution, greater control, and reduced costs. The establishment of BCDR as a leading regional arbitration centre demonstrates institutional commitment. The Arabic, English, and French language capabilities reflect multicultural approach to dispute resolution.

Typical Costs

BCDR rules include features enhancing procedural and time efficiency with accessible fee schedules aimed at moderating arbitration and mediation costs. The emphasis on cost effectiveness is a key feature. Specific fee amounts are determined according to BCDR's fee schedules based on dispute value and complexity. The accessible fee schedules aim to make ADR affordable. Costs are typically shared between parties unless otherwise agreed.

Sources

• Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution (BCDR) (organisation)
• BAHRAIN: An Introduction to Dispute Resolution Law | Chambers and Partners (organisation)
• The 10 best ADR Mediation & Arbitration Lawyers in Bahrain (2026) (organisation)
• New York Convention - Bahrain (organisation)
• Singapore Convention on Mediation - Jurisdictions (organisation)

States and Regions