RESTRICTED  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
2 June 2005  
 (05-2251) 
Council for Trade in Services 
Special Session Original:  English 
 
  
 
BAHRAIN 
 
Revised Services Offer  
 
 
 The following revised services offe r has been received from the delegation of Bahrain on 30 May 
2006 with the request that it be circulated to th e Members of the Council for Trade in Services.  
 
_______________ 
 
In accordance with the mandate ag reed to in paragraph 15 of th e Doha Development Agenda and 
the Decision adopted by the General Council on 1 August 2004 in document (WT/L/579) including 
paragraph (1.e) and Annex C,  submitted herewith is Bahrain’s revised services offer. 
 
This revised offer is not a legal text and is su bmitted solely for the purpose of negotiation in the 
context of the Doha Ministerial Declaration.  
This offer cannot be construed as offering in an y way the privatization of public undertakings 
or as preventing Bahrain from regulating public and pr ivate services in order to meet national policy 
objectives 
Bahrain reserves its right to modify, extend, reduce or withdraw, in whole or in part, this offer 
at any time prior to the conclusion of the current services negotiations.  Bahrain further reserves the 
right to make technical amendments to this offer a nd make corrections to rectify any errors, omissions, 
or inaccuracies in this offer as well as to clarify and interpret the terms and cond itions of this offer.   
The individual sectors and sub-sectors are identifie d in accordance with the classification list in 
Document MTN.GNS/W/120 and corresponding CPC numbers wherever possible.  
The editorial conventions used in the initial offer follows the guidelines established by the 
WTO Secretariat in JOB(02)/88, i.e.:  
• BOLD – New text 
• STRIKE OUT  – Deleted text 
• ITALICS  – Where any new or deleted text constitutes merely a technical refinement that 
does not alter the scope or substance of an existing commitment 
 The editorial conventions used in the revised offer follows the guidelines established by the 
WTO Secretariat in JOB(05)/6, i.e.:  
• Deletion of any text from the initial offer doc ument would be indicated by strikethrough 
and shading of the text to be deleted.  
• Inclusion of any new text into the revised offer document would be indicated by inscribing 
the new text in bold and shading. TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 2 
 
• Inscription of technical refinements that do not alter the scope or substance of a 
commitment, whether existing or initially offe red, would be indicated by strikethrough, 
italics, and shading of the text to be deleted, and insertion of the refined text in bold, italics, 
and shading. 
 Please direct any queries on this revised offer to:  
1) Abdulrazaq Zainalabedin (Mr.) 
Ministry of Industry and Commerce Tel: +973 174820  Fax: +973 17532090 E-mail: a_j_zainalabedin@commerce.gov.bh  
 
2) Eman Al-Doseri (Ms.) 
Ministry of Industry and Commerce Tel: +973 17574817 Fax: +973 17532090 E-mail: ealdoseri@commerce.gov.bh
   
  
 
3) Saleh Y. Alsaleh (Mr.) 
Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bahrain at the UN HQ in Geneva 
Tel: +41 22 7589640 
Fax: +41 22 7580439 E-mail: alsaleh@bluewin.ch  
 
 
_______________ 
 
 
  
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 3BAHRAIN - SCHEDULE OF SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS  
Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
I. HORIZONTAL COMMITMENTS 
 
All the commitments in this schedule are subject to Amiri Decree – Law No. 28 of 1975 and subsequent amendments thereto, as well as any Ministerial orders or 
administrative guidelines, rules, regulation s and /or terms and conditions prescribed by  the Ministry of Labour and Social Affa irs. 
 
  
 ALL SECTORS  
 INCLUDED IN THIS  
 SCHEDULE    
 3) Entry is permitted only in the form of a Joint 
Stock Company . 
Commercial Presence will be through either 
(i) a branch office or (ii) have a Bahraini 
partner who holds at least 51% of the 
capital of the business.  
 
 3) Acquisition of land or property is not allowed. 
   
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 4 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 4)  Unbound except for measures concerning 
entry and temporary stay of natural 
persons who fall into one of the following 
categories: 
 
i- Business Visitors:  
  A natural person who stays in a 
Bahrain, without acquiring 
remuneration from within 
Bahrain and without engaging in 
making direct sales to the general 
public or supplying services, for 
the purposes of participating in 
business meetings, business 
contacts including negotiations for 
the sale of services and/or other 
similar activities including those to 
prepare for establishing a 
commercial presence in Bahrain. 
Entry and stay shall be for a 
period of 7 days which may be 
extended for a similar period. 
 
ii-  Installers and maintainers :  
 Qualified specialists supplying 
installation or maintenance 
services for machinery or 
industrial equipment. The supply 
of that service has to occur on a 
fee or contractual basis 
(installation/maintenance 
contract) between the builder of 
the machinery or equipment and 
the owner of that machinery or 
equipment, both of them being 
juridical persons. Temporary 
entry is granted for periods of stay 
of no more than 90 days 
 4) Unbound except for measures 
concerning the categories of natural 
persons referred to in the market 
access column. 
   
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 5Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 iii- Employees of Juridical Persons:  
Only for managers, executives 
and specialists (as defined 
below).  Entry will be subject to 
the following conditions: 
 In establishments & 
companies that have 10 
employees & more with a 
Bahranization percentage is 
less than 50%, this percentage 
should annually increase for 
the next 5 years by 5%. 
 Establishments & companies 
with less than 10 employees, 
they should employ at least 
one Bahraini. 
 Bahraini employees in new 
projects and investments 
should be 20% of the total 
workforce at the start of these 
projects & investments for a 
period of one year and then 
increase by 5% every year for 
a period of 5 years. 
 
The entry and stay for such natural persons 
shall be for a period of two years, renewable 
for similar periods . 
    
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 6 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 Managers:   Persons within an organization 
who primarily direct the organization or a 
department or sub division of the 
organization, supervise and control the 
work of other supervisory, professional or 
managerial employees, h ave the authority to 
hire or fire or recommend hiring, firing, or 
other personnel actions (such as promotion 
or leave authorization), and exercise 
discretionary authorit y over day-to-day 
operations.  Does not include first-line 
supervisors unless the employees supervised 
are professionals nor does it include 
employees who primarily perform tasks 
necessary for the provision of the service.   
 Executives:   Persons within an organization 
who primarily direct the management of 
the organization, establish the goals and 
policies of the organization, exercise wide 
latitude in decision making, and receive 
only general supervision or direction from 
higher-level executi ves, the board of 
directors or stockholders of the business.  
Executives would not directly perform tasks 
related to the actual provision of service or 
services of the organization. 
 
Specialists:   Persons within an organization 
who possess knowledge at  an advanced level 
of continued expertise and who possess 
proprietary knowledge of the organization's 
services, research, equi pment, techniques or 
management. 
 
    
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 7Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
II. SECTOR SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS 
 
1. BUSINESS SERVICES  
    
 
A. Professional Services  
 d) Architectural Services 
(CPC 8671) 
 e) Engineering Services 
(CPC 8672) 
f) Integrated engineering 
services (CPC 8673) 
g)  Urban Planning & 
Landscape Architectural 
Services (CPC 8674)  
 
1) Commercial Presence required  Unbound.   
2) None 
3) Must register with Committee for 
Organizing engineeri ng Professional 
Practice (COEPP) and Ministry of 
Commerce. Technical Staff to be accredited 
and licensed by COEPP. Ratio of nationals 
as applied by Ministry of Labour & Social 
Affairs  None. 
4) Unbound, except for intra-corporate 
transfer for executives and senior managers 
and specialists 
  
 
1) Unbound 2) None 
3) Pre -requisite for National Treatment:   
Association or joint Venture with Bahraini professional firm with not less than 25% of 
senior management to be Bahraini and not 
less than 15% of technical staff to be Bahraini. 
 
4) Unbound, except for intra-corporate transfer 
for executives and senior managers and 
specialists 
  
h)  Medical and dental 
services (CPC 9312) 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Unbound 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section as well as for specialized 
surgeons providing specialized medical and 
dental services.  
 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Unbound 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section  
i)  Veterinary services  
(CPC 932) 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Unbound 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 
  
j) Services provided by 
midwives, nurses, 
physiotherapists 
 (CPC 93191) 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Unbound 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Unbound 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 
   
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 8 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
B. Computer and Related 
Services  
 
a) Consultancy Services 
related to the installation of computer hardware 
(CPC 841) 
 b) Software implementation 
services (CPC 842) 
 c) Data processing services 
(CPC 843) 
 d) Database services  
 (CPC 844) 
  
  
 
1) None 2) None 
3) None 
4) None  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
  
To be reviewed  
1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4)  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.  
C. Research and 
Development Services  
 
b) Research and 
Development Services – 
Social sciences and Humanities (CPC 852) 
  
 
 
1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) None  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
 
 
1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) None  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
F. Other Business Services  
a) Advertising Services  
 (CPC 871)   
 
1) None 2) None 
3) None. A 100% foreign owned company may 
be established in Bahrain in the form of 
With limited Liability or Joint Closed Stock 
Company if it uses Bahrain as a principal 
place for the distribution of its services. 
4) None  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.  
To be reviewed  
1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
  
 
 
4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the horizontal 
section. 
   
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 9Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
c) Management Consulting 
Services (CPC 865) 
 1). None 
2) None 3) None 
4) None  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) None  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
d) Services related to 
Management Consulting 
(CPC 866) 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) None  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) None  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
f) Services Incidental to 
Agriculture, hunting and 
forestry    
 Services incidental to 
agriculture (CPC 88110) 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) None Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) None Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.  
h) Services incidental to 
mining (CPC 883 + 5115) 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.  
k) Placement and supply 
services of Personnel 
(CPC 872) 
 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) None 
4) None  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) None 
4) None  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
 The Labour Law 
prohibits the charging of 
job seekers and 
employees for placement 
services.  
  
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 10 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
p) Photographic Services 
(CPC 875) 
  
1) None 2) None 
3) None 
4) None  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
 To be reviewed  
1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4)  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
r) Printing, Publishing 
(CPC 88442)  Unbound  
To be Reviewed  
 To be Reviewed  
   
t) Translation and 
Interpretation Services (CPC 87905) 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) None  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) None  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
2. COMMUNICATION 
SERVICES 
    
B. Courier Services  
    
 
General Conditions Statement:  
 
 EMS (Barid Mumtaz) service means express mail designated by the postal administ rations in accordance with arti cle 61 of the Universal Postal 
convention (Beijing 1999),  which indicates that:  
 
1. EMS shall be the quickest postal service by physical means. It shall consist of the collection, dispatch and delivery in a very  short space  of time of 
correspondence, docu ments or goods.  
2.  EMS shall be regulated on the ba sis of bilateral agreements. Aspects that are no t expressly governed by the later shall be subj ect to the appropriate 
provision of the acts of the Union.  
 
 
EMS Service (In ternational 
only)  
Multi-modal Courier Services 
(Foreign destinations only, 
excluding letters) (CPC 75121)  
1) None 
2) None 
3) None. The investment capital should be no 
less than 100,00 Bahraini Dinars 
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section.  
  
1) None 
2) None 
3) None  
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
 section .   
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 11Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
C. Telecommunication 
Services1    
General Conditions Statement:  
 
The Kingdom commits to the Legislative Decree No. 48 of 2002 on the Telecommuni cations Law as specific commitments ap plying to Basic Telecommunications 
Services.  However, based on the evolution of the competitive environment, Bahrain ma y modify some provisions in the Law withou t breaching the commitments 
in this schedule.  
 
Commitments are scheduled in accordance wi th--"Notes for Scheduling Basic Telecom S ervices Commitments" (S /GBT/W/2/REV.1); and "Market Access 
Limitations on Spectrum Availability" (S/GBT/W/3). 
 
The following conditions apply to all of the sub -sectors committed below:  
 
1.  No person shall operate or pro mote a call -back service in or to the Kingdom (Modes 1, 2 & 3).  
2.  Must be a juristic entity incorporated in the Kingdom, or a branch of a foreign comp any licensed to operate in the Kingdom in  accordance with the 
Commercial Companies Law (Mode 3).  
3.  Substantially all the infrastructure  and personnel associated with the provisions of telecommunications service must be located i n the Kingdom (Mode  3). 
 
 
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) alon e shall have the right to waive the condition pro vided for in 3. above in either of the following two 
cases:  
 
a. there exists substantial demand for a telecommu nications service that cannot be provided  on an efficient basis other than by me ans of 
infrastructure and personnel lo cated outside the Kingdom, pro vided that such a service will be to the di rect benefit of subscri bers and users, as 
determined by the TRA on the basis of  the obligations provided for in th e license or otherwise (Mode 3); and  
b. if licensees breach their obligations (Mode 3).  
 
Notes:  
I. Intern ational Facilities, International Services and National Fixed Se rvices are Technology Neutral Li cense Classifications, and form  of Service 
Provision is open to the Innovation of  Licensees.  
II. Leased Line Services are included in the classifications (National  and International), and may require application for a number of license 
classifications.  
III. It is our understanding that MFN exception applicable to International Bilateral Co rrespondent Accounting Ra tes is still in for ce that wouldn't 
need scheduling, and t his issue will be resolved thro ugh the negotiations process.  
IV. Scheduling of services is based on the Kingdo m's services classification (see attachment I)   
 
 
                                                           
1 Excluding Radio broadcasting, cable televi sion, satellite transmissions of DTH and DB S services and of audio digital services   
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 12 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
Horizontal Commitments:    
 3) 100% foreign equity is allowed.  Bahrain adopts the 
additional commitments 
in whole listed in the 
Reference Paper on Basic 
Telecoms. (attached) 
Mobile Telecommunications 
Service2 (including Mobile 
Data and Third Generation3 
Mobile Services and its 
related services).  1) None. International Telecomms. Services 
Included from/t o licensee's customers only  
Unbound . 
2) None  
3) Initially Duopoly, thir d at discretion of  
TRA after 2 years of first license award.  
Mobile Virtual Network Operators 
(MVNO) may be licensed after two years 
of second mobile license award at the 
discretion of  the  TRA  None . 
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section.  
 1) None Unbound  
 
 
2) None  
3) None  
 
  
 
 
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section   
National Fixed services 
(including  voice4, data5, 
payphone , telex and telegraph 
services)  
− Domestic (Local and 
domes tic long distance).6 
− Excluding "call back 
services".  
 1) Starting 1st July 2004  Unbound . 
2) None  
3) Until 30 June 2004, Batelco will have 
exclusive right to prov ide services in the 
Kingdom  None.  
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section.  
 1) None Unbound  
2) None 
3) None  
 
 
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section.  Bahrain adopts the 
additional commitments 
in whole listed in the 
Reference Paper on Basic 
Telecoms. (attached)  
                                                           
 
"Mobile telecommunications service" means an y basic data service or basi c voice service provided by means of GSM Mobile Radioco mmunications (including international telecommunications service) 
and third   generation and associated serv ices. The licensee is authorized, on a non -exclusive basis, to provide by means of its mobile telecomm unications network the mobile telecommunications services in 
the licenses area.  
3 "Third Generation ser vices" means the telecommunications services associated from time  to time with a mobile Telecommunications Network Complying wi th the 3GPP specification adopted by the 
Regulator.  
4 "Basic voice service" means a telecommunications service involving the tran smission of two -way real -time speech, excluding; (a) any additional servi ce having been provided in respect of the real -time 
two way speech conversation; (b) any deliberate removal or  addition to the informat ion content of that real -time two -way speech con versation; and (c)  Mob ile Radiocommunications . 
5 "Basic data service" means a telecommuni cations service that consists of the conv eyance of messages, excluding: (a) any additi onal service having been provided in respect of the conveyance of those 
message;  (b)  any deliberate removal or addition to the information content of those messages. (c) Two -way real -time speech; and   (d) Mobile Radiocommunications.   
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 13Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
Internet Services  7 
− excluding basic voice 
service  1) None  Unbound.  
2) None  
3) The licensee may not offer a basic voice 
service between the kingdom of  Bahrain 
and other countries, no r may it facilitate by 
the use of its telecommunications network 
the offer by a third party of such a service, 
unless and until such time as it is granted 
an international telecommunication license 
in accordance with the Telecommunications 
Law.  
4) Unbound except as in the horizontal 
section.  
 1) None  Unbound.  
2) None  
3) None  
 
  
 
  
 
 
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal section.  
  
Value Added Services8  
(Excluding Radio 
broadcasting, cable television, 
satellite transmissions of DTH 
and DBS services and of audio 
digital services)  1) None  Unbound  
2) None  
3) None  
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section.  
 1) None  Unbound  
2) None  
3) None  
4) Unbound, ex cept as in the horizontal section   
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
6 "National fixed telecommunications network" mean s a public telecommunications network which facilit ates the conveyance by whatever means, including, but not limited to, fixed wireless technology, 
of signals between network termination points at fixed locations within the licensed area but which does not comprise any telec ommunications equipment designed  for use for mobile 
radiocommunications . 
"National fixed telecommunications service" means any basic data service or basic voi ce service (including public payphone, tel egraph and telex services) other than an international telecommunication 
service or Mobi le Radiocommunications.  
7 "Internet" means an integrated computer network through which users  are connected to each other by  means of the TCP/IP family of protocols;  "Internet services " means services provided to the 
public whose provision consists of sub scriber interaction with the Internet or the transmission of information to or over the Intern et. The licensee may not offer a basic voice service between the 
kingdom of  Bahrain and other countries, nor may it facilitate by the use of its telecommunicatio ns network the offer by a third party of such a service, unless and until such time as it is granted an 
international telecommunication license in accordance with the Telecommunications Law.  
8 "Value added services" means enhanced of value added telecommun ications data and or voice service that act on the format, content, code of protocol of information in order to provide the use r with 
additional or different information or that involve subscriber interaction with stored inform ation, including computer and  data processing services , data information and exch ange services, credit card 
verification services but excluding transm ission services to or over the internet.  
  
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 14 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
International Facilities  1) Starting 1st January 2004. No 
International Service shall commence 
before 1st July 2004.  
2) None  
3) Until 31st December 2003, Batelco will 
have exclusive right to provide 
International Facilit ies in the Kingdom, 
and also it will have the same right on 
International Services until 30th June 2004.  
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section.  
 1) None  
  
2) None  
3) None  
 
 
  
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal section   
International Servi ces9 
− Fixed and resale -based10 
− Excluding  call-back.  1) Starting 1st July 2004. None  Unbound .  
2) None  
3) Until 30 June 2004, Batelco will have 
exclusive right to prov ide services in the 
Kingdom  None .   
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section.  
 1)  None  Unbound  
2) None  
3) None  
 
 
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal section   
Internet Exchanges  1) Must use Batelco's Int'l facilities until 
31st December 2003 Unbound . 
2) None  
3) Initially one Exchange operated through 
a consortium by the Internet Ser vice 
Providers on a non -profit basis. None 
after 2 years.   Unbound, until 14/03/2006. 
Thereafter, none  
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section.  
 1)  None  Unbound  
 
2) None  
3) None  
 
  
 
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section   
                                                           
9 "International telecommunications service" Int ernational services are those services that p rovide the carriage of traffic, which originates outsid e of the Kingdom of Bahrain and terminates at an end 
user within it, or originates from an end user within the Kingdom of Bahrain and terminates outside it.  
10 "Resale Services" means telecommunications  services purchased from the licensee by another licensed operato r and made available to any user, together with such additiona l services as the licensed 
operator may provide .   
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 15Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
VSAT  11 1)     Starting 1st January 2004. None  Unbound . 
2) None  
3) Until 31st December 2003, Batelco will 
have exclusive right to provide VSAT 
services in the Kingdom  None .   
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section.  
 1) None  Unbound  
2) None  
3) None  
 
 
4) Unbound, e xcept as in the horizontal 
section   
Public Access Mobile Radio 
(PAMR) 12 1)  Starting 1st January 2004. None Unbound.  
2)  None  
3)  Until 31st December 2003, Batelco will 
have exclusive right to provide PAMR 
services in the Kingdom.  None.  
4) Unbound, excep t as in the horizontal 
section.  
 1) None  Unbound  
2) None  
3) None  
  
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section   
Paging13 1) Starting 1st January 2004. None.  Unbound  
2) None  
3) Until 31st December 2003, Batelco will 
have exclusive right to provide Paging 
service s in the Kingdom.  None.  
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section.  
 1) None  Unbound  
2) None  
3) None  
 
 
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section   
                                                           
11 "VSAT services" means telecommunication s services, including international te lecommunications services, provided by means of a satellite telecommunications network between fixed points that are 
equipped with very small aperture terminals equipment.  
12 "Public access mobile radio services" mean s telecommunications services that consi st of the two -way conveyance of messages between the members of the same closed user group, by way of mobile 
Radio communications, provided that such conveyance may not origin ate from or terminate on a Public Telecommunications Network.  Nothing in the prec eding sentence shall authorize the licensee to 
provide any telecommunications service that would require a mobile telecommunications license.  
13 "Paging services" means telecommunicati ons services that consist of the one -way conveyance of a message to a sub scriber by way of mobile radiocommunications. Nothing in the preceding sentence 
shall authorize the licensee to provide an y telecommunications service that would require a Mobile Telecommunications License.   
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 16 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
a. Voice telephone services 
(CPC 7521) 
BH: Including the following 
sub sectors:  
Public telephone services 
(CPC 75211) 
Public long distance 
telephone services (CPC 
75212) 
Mobile telephone services 
(CPC 75213) 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the horizont a
section. 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal 
section.  
b. Packet-switched data 
transmission services (CPC 
7523**) 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the horizont a
section. 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
c. Circuit-switched data 
transmission services (CPC 
7523**) 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
d. Telex services (CPC 
7523**) 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
e. Telegraph services (CPC 
7522**) 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the horizont a
section. 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) Only companies with commercial 
presence 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
   
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 17Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
f.  Facsimile services 
(CPC 7521** + 7529**) 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the horizont a
section. 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
g. Private leased circuit 
services (CPC 7522** + 
7523**) 
 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the horizont a
section. 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
h. Electronic mail 
(CPC 7523**) 
 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the horizont a
section. 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
i.  Voice mail (CPC 7523**) 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
j.  On-line information and 
database retrieval 
(CPC 7523**)  1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.  1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
k. Electronic data interchange 
(EDI) (CPC 7523)  
 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) Unbound until 1/3/2006. Thereafter, 
None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 18 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
l. Enhanced/value-added 
facsimile services, incl. store 
and forward, store and 
retrieve (CPC 7523**) 
 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
m. Code and protocol 
conversion (n.a.) 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
 1) Unbound 
2) None  
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.  
D. Audiovisu al Services  
     
 
1) It is incumbe nt to adhere to the laws of copyrights, journalism,  publications, press and the Law of works and labour.  
2) Assume management responsibility for any obscu re activity and consequences of financia l obligations, no selling or transfer of the C.R. unless recei ving a 
written agreement from Ministry of Information.  
3) Adherence to customs, traditions and morals  within a social framework which is permi tted in the kingdom of Bahrain in tackling certain topics which the 
media institution / comp any in production, pre paration for broadcast or distri bution or exhibiting in deals.  
4) Ban all political parties, and military institutions to invest  in media domain in general.  
 
 
a) Motion picture and 
videotape production and distribution services 
(CPC 9611) 
 
b) Motion Pictu re 
projection service 
(CPC  9612)  
 
c) Radio and Television 
services (CPC 9613) 
 
d) Radio and Television 
Services (CPC 7524) 
 
e) Sound Recording  
1) None 
2) None 
3) Films which are allowed for cinemas and 
DVD's only, activities include distribution 
only, and  no permits for private halls to 
exhibit (Hometheatre)  None. 
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section  
1) None 
2) None 
3) None. 
 
  
4) Unbound, except as in  the horizontal section 1. Company has to 
adhere to open legal 
accounts within Bahraini 
nation al bank where 
capital is included in 
their accounts and to 
obtain bank guarantee 
according to the national 
laws and authorised by 
any national bank.  
 
2.  Ground / satellite 
broadcast should be in 
coordination with 
certain sectors in the 
Kingdom of Bahrain .  
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 19Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
   3. It is the 
responsibility of the 
institution / company to 
assume the broadcast of 
programs from all angles 
whether financial, social, 
moral and to apply laws 
of intellectual property 
laws in this matter.  
 
   4. Obligation of 
institution / company to 
provide a check  
account office within the 
Kingdom of Bahrain for 
supervision of annual 
accounts.  
 
   5.  Responsibility of  
institution / company to 
oblige a law firm within 
the Kingdom of Bahrain  
to follow -up on legal 
procedures.  
 
   6.  Obligation of 
institution / company 
coverage of all their 
employees according to 
the social insurance 
system.  
  
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 20 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
   7.  The right of 
institution / company to 
own material of their 
films, it has to be 
presented to authorised 
sectors in the Kingdom of 
Bahrain in case of  a 
request, and it should be 
broadcast only if there is 
an agreement with 
officials in the institution 
/ company.  
 
   8.  Achieve 
cooperation between the 
institution / company and 
the Television, Broadcast 
and Corporation in the 
Kingdom of Bahrain in 
term s of coordination 
and program exchange.  
 
   9.  Obligation of 
institution / company to 
provide a security system 
within  Bahrain’s 
kingdom based on a 
timely period of 24 hours 
per day.  
 
   10.  The institution / 
company has to consider 
all kinds of techn ical, 
ring  assistance requested 
by Ministry of 
information.  
  
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 21Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
   11.  In case of a 
request  presented to the 
institution / company to 
film, a certain occasion 
from another company; 
the other company has 
the right to  preserve the 
original and the 
requeste d material.  
 
   12.  Ministry of  
Information has the right 
at any given time if 
national interest is 
threatened by any given 
means and the right to 
reject permits of 
institution or company if 
it did not adhere to the 
laws and any violation of 
previous co nditions or 
any other reasons where 
the institutio n / company 
does not adhere with the 
general system of 
morality and policies of 
the Kingdom and the 
violation of law permits.  
 
   13.  Obligation of 
institution / company to 
adhere to all broadcast, 
satell ite agreements.  
 
   14.  Obligation of 
institution / company to 
stick to the schedule 
registration of its own 
satellites.  
  
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 22 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
3. CONSTRUCTION & 
RELATED ENGINEERING 
SERVICES 
    
A. General Construction 
Work for Buildings 
(CPC 512)  
 B. General Construction 
Work for Civil 
Engineering (CPC 513)  
 
C. Installations & Assembly 
Work (CPC 514, 516)  
 1) Unbound  due to lack of technical feasibility  ∗ 
2) None 
3) None  
4) Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section. 1) Unbound  due to lack of technical feasibility  * 
2) None 
3) Joint Venture required for national 
treatment 
4) Unbound, except as in  the horizontal section 
 
D. Building Completion & 
Finishing Work 
(CPC 517)  
 
E. Other (CPC 511, 515, 
518) Ratio of local workforce as  applied by Ministry 
of Labour & Social Affair s to be complied with 
engineers, architects, technicians must register 
with Committee for Organizing engineering 
Professional Practice (COEPP). Work permits 
and any other permits required.  
 
 
 
 Ratio of local workforce as  applied by Ministry 
of Labour & Soc ial Affairs to be complied with 
engineers, architects, technicians must register 
with Committee for Organizing engineering 
Professional Practice (COEPP). Work permits 
and any other permits required.   
                                                           
∗ Unbound due to technical infeasibility  
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 23Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
5. EDUCATION 
SERVICES    
A.      Primary Education 
Services (CPC 921) 
 
B.      Secondary Education 
Services (CPC 922) 
 D. Adult Education 
Services (CPC 924)  
 1) None  Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) None  Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section. 1) None  Unbound 
2) None 
3) None 
4) None Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. In addition, non-Bahraini 
teacher or instructor’s employment must be 
approved by the Ministry of Education. and 
such approval should be renewed once every 
two years   
6. ENVIRONMENTAL 
SERVICES 
   
 
Legislative Decree No. 2 1 of 1996 in respect with the environment and to all Environmental regulations and Mini sterial orders issued  pursuant to such D ecree, the 
Labour Law for the private sector (Amiri Decree – Law No. (23) of 1976. Furthermore,  these commitments are subject to standard conditions and licensing 
criteria for each category of  license offered by Enviro nmental affairs (EA) and ot her governmental authorities.  
 
A. Sewage Services 
(CPC 9401)    
1- Municipal and 
Industrial Sewage 
Removal, Treatment 
and Disposal.  
 1) Unbound  
2) Unbound  
3) Unbound  
4) Unbound  
 1) Unbound  
2) Unbound  
3) Unbound  
4) Unbound  
  
2. Maintenance. And 
repairing the existing sewage systems, pollution 
abatement services, 
analytical and sampling collection services. 
Monitoring, evaluation, 
and consultancy for treatment systems. 1) Unbound∗ 
2) Unbound * 
3) None 
4) None Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound* 
2) Unbound* 
3) None 
4) None Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section.  
                                                           
∗ Unbound due to technical infeasibility  
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 24 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
B. Refuse disposal services 
(CPC 9402) 
 
 Refuse collection and 
disposal services; collection services of 
garbage, trash rubbish 
and waste (household, commercial and 
industrial); transport 
services and disposal services; waste reduction 
services. 
  
  
1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 3) Pre-Int. experience is required. 
- Joint venture with local company. 
4) None Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section.   
  
1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 3) None 
 
4) None Unbound, except as in the horizontal 
section.  
C. Sanitation & similar 
Services  (CPC 9403) 
 Outdoor sweeping and 
watering street, paths, parking lots, etc. 
 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) Pre -Int. experience is required  None. 
4) 20% Local personal  Unbound, except as in 
the horizontal section 
 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) None 
4) Priority to national Companies  Unbound, 
except as in the horizontal section  
D. Other Services  
- Cleaning services of 
exhaust gases (CPC 9404) 
- Noise abatement 
services (CPC 9405 
- Nature and 
landscaping 
services (CPC 9406)  
1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) Pre -Int. experience is required  None. 
4) 20% Local personal  Unbound, except as 
indicated in the horizontal section 
  
1) Unbound 
2) Unbound  3) None 
4) Priority to national Companies  Unbound, 
except as indicated in the horizontal section  
- Other 
environmental 
protection services (monitoring, 
controlling and 
damage assessment, (CPC 9409)  
     
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 25Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
7. FINANCIAL SERVICES 
    
Bahrain undertakes commitments in Financial Services in accordance with the Annex in Financial Services  
A. All Insurance and  
 Insurance-Related services   
 (Offshore only)  
(for exempt and non-
exempt companies)    
(a)  Life, Accident and health  
 insurance services  
(b)  Non -life insurance services  
(c) Reinsurance and 
 retrocession  
(d) Services auxiliary to  
 insurance (including  
 broking and agency  
 services)  
 1) None  
2) None  
3) None  
4) Unbound  
 1) None  
2) None  
3) None  
4) Unbound  
 
  
 
-  Reinsurance and 
Retrocession  
 1) None  
2) None  
3) None  
4) Unbound  
 1) None  
2) None  
3) None  
4) Unbound   
 
 All Sectors   Entry is permitted only in  the form of a joint 
stock company 
  Acquisition of land or property is not all owed.  
 
(i) Direct insurance 
(including co-insurance):    
(A) life: 
(Life, accident and 
health insurance 
services) 
 
 1) None for exempt companies. Unbound for 
non-exempt companies 
2) None. 
3) None for exempt companies. Unbound for 
non-exempt companies, except for life 
insurance where foreign companies may set 
up branch offices. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 1) None for exempt companies. Unbound for 
non-exempt companies 
2) None. 
3) None for exempt companies. Unbound for 
non-exempt companies exce pt as indicated in 
the column for limitations on market access. 
 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.  
   
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 26 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
(B) non-life 
 1) None for exempt companies. Unbound for 
non-exempt companies 
2) None 
3) None for exempt companies. Unbound for 
non-exempt companies 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section for exempt companies. 
Unbound for non-exempt companies. 1) None for exempt companies. Unbound for 
non-exempt companies 
2) None 
3) None for exempt companies. Unbound for 
non-exempt companies 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section for exempt companies. 
Unbound for non-exempt companies.  
(ii) Reinsurance & 
retrocession;   
 1)  None for exempt companies. Unbound for 
non-exempt companies 
2)  None 
3)  None for exempt companies. Unbound for 
non-exempt companies 
4)  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section for exempt companies. 
Unbound for non-exempt companies. 1) None for exempt companies. Unbound for 
non-exempt companies 
2) None 
3) None for exempt companies. Unbound for 
non-exempt companies 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section for exempt companies. 
Unbound for non-exempt companies. 
  
(iii) Insurance intermediation, 
such as brokerage and 
agency 
 
 1) None for exempt companies. Unbound 
for non-exempt companies 
2) None 
3) None for exempt companies. Unbound 
for non-exempt companies, except for 
insurance brokers who may establish 
either as a branch or subsidiary.  
Subsidiaries may be up to 100% 
foreign owned. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 
 1) None for exempt companies. Unbound 
for non-exempt companies 
2) None 
3) None for exempt companies. Unbound 
for non-exempt companies,  except for 
insurance brokers. 
 
  
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
   
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 27Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
(iv) Services auxiliary to 
insurance, such as 
consultancy, actuarial, 
risk assessment and claim 
settlement services  
 1) None for exempt companies. Unbound 
for non-exempt companies, except for 
actuarial services 
 
2) None 
3) None for exempt companies. Unbound 
for non-exempt companies, except for 
loss adjusters and actuarial firms that 
may establish either as a branch or 
subsidiary.  Subsidiaries may be up to 
100% foreign owned. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section as well as for 
actuaries for non-exempt companies 
 1) None for exempt companies. Unbound 
for non-exempt companies, except as 
indicated in the column for the limitation 
on market access. 
2) None 
3) None for exempt companies. Unbound 
for non-exempt companies,  except for 
loss adjusters and actuarial firms 
 
 
 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section  as well as for 
actuaries for non-exempt companies 
  
B. Banking and Other Financial Services (excluding insurance)  
 
The commitments on financial services are made in accordance w ith the GATS and the Annex on Financial Services. All the commitm ents in this Schedule are subject to 
the domestic laws of Bahrain, as well as any guidelines, rules, regulations, terms and conditions of the Bahrain Monetary Agenc y (BMA) and/or any other relevant 
authority or body in Bahrain, which are co nsistent with Article VI of the GATS a nd paragraph 2 of the Annex on Financial Services. In particular, these commitments are 
subject to the Bahrain Moneta ry Agency Law (Amiri Decree – Law No. (23) of 1973), the Commer cial Companies Law (Amiri Decree – Law No. (28) of 1975), the Labour 
Law for  the Private Sector (Amiri Decree – Law No. (23) of 1976), the Bahrain Stock Exchange Law (Amiri Decree – Law No.(4) of 1978), and the Land Registration Law 
(Amiri Decree – Law No. (15) of 1979) as amended from time to time, and to all regulations and dire ctives, issued pursuant to such laws from time -to-time. Furthermore, 
these commitments are subject to  the Standard Conditions and Licencing  Criteri a for each category of licence currently offered  by the BMA and to any restrictions imposed 
on any such lice nce, including in particular and unless otherwise permitted by the BMA, restrictions imposed on Offshore Banking Units (OBUs) a nd Investment Banks 
(IBs) dealing with residents of Bahrain.  
 
(a) (v) Acceptance of deposits 
and other repayable funds 
from the public. 
 (CPC 81115 -81119 ) 1)  Non if done outside Bahrain.  Undertaking 
this activity (including soliciting and 
advertising) in/from Bahrain requires a licence 
from the BMA.  Unbound  
2) None 
3) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and ot her Financial Services 
above and in respect of the measures detailed 
below. Licence required from BMA.  
 1) None.  Unbound  
 
 
 2) None  
3)  For foreign branches of FCBs,  Unbound for 
sub-branching. Otherwise, none. 
   
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 28 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 3) None.   
 Foreign banks may be establish ed as local 
subsidiaries or branches .   
 
 Foreign ownership of locally incorporated 
banks restricted to 49% if business is to be 
undertaken “onshore” Bahrain (i.e. with 
residents of Bahrain). 100% foreign 
ownership permitted if business are to be 
undertake n “offshore” Bahrain (i.e. with non -
residents of Bahrain).  
   
   
 Foreign owned locally incorporated banks 
are permitted to undertake business outside 
Bahrain (i.e. with non -residents of Bahrain) 
as well as in Bahrain (i.e. with residents of 
Bahrain).  Ba nking activities must be 
undertaken by joint stock companies only.   
 
 No banking activities to be undertaken by a 
limited liability company (W.L.L.).    
 
3) None. 100% foreign ownership is permitted 
if the bank is licensed only to do business 
with non-residents of Bahrain. Banking 
activities must be undertaken by private or 
public joint stock companies only. 
 
   
 4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services 
above.  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section  4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services above.  
 
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 
   
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 29Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
(b) (vi) Lending of all types, 
including consumer credit, mortgage credit, factoring 
and financing of 
commercial transactions. 
 (CPC 8113)  1) As for (a) (1) above for this activity.  
Unbound  
2) None 
3) As for (a) (3) above for this activity. Unbound 
for ownership of property in Bahrain.   
 None. 100% foreign ow nership permitted if 
business is licensed only to do business with 
non-residents of Bahrain  
4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services 
above .  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section  
 1) None  Unbound  
 2) None 
3) As for (a) (3) above f or this activity. Unbound 
for ownership of property in Bahrain .  
 Unbound for sub-branching. Otherwise, 
none  
 
4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services above . 
  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section   
(c) (vii)  Financial leasing. 
 (CPC 8112)  1) As for (a) (1) above for this activity.   
Unbound  
2) None 
3) As for (a) (3) above for this activity .  
 None. 100% foreign ow nership permitted if 
business is licensed only to do business with 
non-residents of Bahrain 
4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services 
above . 
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section  
 1) None  Unbound  
 
2) None 
3) Unbound for sub-branching. Otherwise, none  
 
 
 
4) Unbound save  as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services above . 
 
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section    
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 30 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
(d) (viii)  All payment and 
money transmission services, including credit, 
charge and debit cards, 
travellers cheque s, and 
bankers drafts  including 
credit, charge and debit 
cards, travellers cheques, 
and bankers drafts. 
 (CPC 81339**)  
 1) As for (a) (1) above for this activity .  
Unbound 
2) None 
3) As for (a) (3) above for this activity . 
Unbound, except for brokers, loss adjusters 
and actuaries that may establish as 
subsidiaries or branches. Subsidiaries may 
be 100% foreign owned . 
4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services 
above .  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section . 1) None  Unbound   
 2) None 
3) As for (a) (3) above for this activity   
 Unbound for sub-branching and except as 
indicated in the column for limitations on 
market access . 
 
4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financ ial Services above . 
 
Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section .  
(e) (ix) Guarantees and 
commitments. 
 (CPC 81199**)  1) As for (a) (1) above for this activity .  
Unbound  
2) None 
3) As for (a) (3) above for this activity.  None . 
 
4) Unbound save  as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services 
above .  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section  1) None  Unbound  
 
2) None 
3) As for (a) (3) above for this activity . Unbound 
for sub-branching. Otherwise, none.  
4) Unb ound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services above . 
  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section  
   
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 31Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
(f)   (x) Trading for own 
account or for account of customers, whether on an 
exchange, in an over-the- 
counter market, or otherwise the following: 
A. money market 
instruments (including cheques, 
bills, certificates of 
deposit). 
 (CPC 81339**)  
B. foreign exchange. 
  ( CPC 81333)  
C. derivative products 
including, but not 
limited to, futures and options. 
  (CPC 81339**)  
D. exchange rate and 
interest rate 
instruments, including products 
such as swaps, 
forward rate agreements. 
  (CPC 81339**)  
E. transferable 
securities. 
  (CPC 81321*)  
F. Other negotiable 
instruments and 
financial assets, 
including bullion.   
  (CPC 81339**)  
 
 
 1) Unb ound for  equity and other securities listed 
on the BSE. Licence required from BMA if 
activity is undertaken in/from Bahrain for 
customers’ account  equities .  
 Unbound for equities. None for fixed 
income trading 
2) Unbound for equity and other securities li sted 
on the BSE   
 None.  
3) As for (a) (3) above for this activity . As for (f) 
(3) on national treatment.  None,  except as 
indicated in the column for limitations 
national treatmen t. 
 
 Transactions on the Bahrain Stock Exchange 
(BSE) must be through a licen sed Stock 
Broker. Transactions for listed Bonds and 
Warrants can be done OTC.  
 
 Stock Brokers and Market Makers for 
securities on the Bahrain Stock Exchange 
must be either Bahraini nationals (individuals 
or locally incorporat ed companies with a 
minimum of 51% Bahraini ownership) and be 
resident in Bahrain, or be branches of foreign 
companies undertaking such business in 
international securities.  
 A Money Broker must be locally incorporated 
with 51% Bahraini ownership and requires a 
licence from the BMA.  
 None 
 
 1) Unbound for equities. None for fixed income  
 
 
 
 
 
2) Unbound . None  
  
3) None (except as indicated  in the market access 
column below ).  
 Unbound.  
 
Trading on the Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE) 
must be through a licenced stockbroker.   
 
However, bonds, units o f Mutual Funds and 
Warrants can be traded through the BSE and/or 
the OTC markets subject to notifying the BSE 
about the transactions details.  
 
Securities stock brokers must be licenced by the 
BMA for activities to be undertaken in/from 
Bahrain.  Stock brok erage and market making 
services must be provided by brokers and market 
makers licenced by the BMA.   
 
Foreign brokerage companies having the 
experience to enrich the securities brokerage 
profession in Bahrain and attract foreign 
investments shall be appro ved as licenced 
brokers by the BMA.  
 
Non-Bahrainis who are exp erienced in the field 
of securities brokerage shall be employed as 
brokers by Bahraini brokerage companies.  
 
A licence is required from the BMA for Money 
Brokers who must be locally incorporate d. 100% 
foreign ownership is permitted . 
 
 Commercial banks are 
allowed to provide 
brokerage services from 
their premises, without 
establishing separate 
brokerage companies.  
Trading by the banks is 
conducted through a 
remote trading 
arrangement as a step 
forward towards the 
implementation of on -
line trading through 
Internet.  
 
The BMA has been made 
a single regulator for the 
banking, insurance and 
capital market sectors, 
pursuant to the 
Legislative Decree No. 21 
of 2002.  The BMA 
(through its Licencing 
Direc torate) licences 
intermediaries in its 
capacity as regulator of 
the capital markets.  
 
 
  
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 32 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services 
above .  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 
 4) Unbound s ave as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services above . 
 
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section   
(g) (xi) Participation in 
issues of all kinds of 
securities, including underwriting and 
placement as agent 
(whether publicly or privately) and provision 
of services related to 
such issues. 
 (CPC 8132)  1) Unbound for equity and other securities listed 
on the BSE. License required from the BMA 
if activity is undertaken in/from Bahrain for 
customers’ account . 
2) Unbound for equity and other securities listed 
on the BSE Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE) . 
3) Licence required from BMA if activity is 
undertaken in/from Bahrain. Unbound for 
equity and other securities listed on the BSE  1) Unbound 
 
  
2) Unbound 
 
3) None (except as  indicated in market access 
columns) . 
  
 3) License required from the BMA if activity 
is undertaken in/from Bahrain. 
Stockbrokers and Market Makers for 
securities listed on the BSE shall be licenced 
by the BMA .  
 None    
 4) Unbound save as provided for i n the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services 
above .  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section  
 4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services above . 
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section  
   
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 33Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
(h) (xii) Money broking   
 (CP 81339**)   1) None 
2) None 3)
  Licence required from BMA. A Money 
Broker must be locally incorporated with 51% 
Bahraini ownership.  
3) Licence required from the BMA. A money 
broker must be locally incorporat ed. 100% 
foreign ownership is permitted.   
 None 
4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services 
above .  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section . 
 1) None 
2) None  
 
 
3) None (except as indicated in ma rket access 
columns) .  
  
4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services above . 
 
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section .  
(i) (xiii) Asset management, 
such as cash or portfolio  
management, all forms of collective investment 
management, pension 
fund management, 
custodial, depository and 
trust services. 
 (CPC 8119+** -81323*)  
 1) As for (a) (1) above for this activity.  Unbound 
for BSE listed equity and other  securities . 
Otherwise, none . 
 Only private or public joint stock 
companies may make investments on behalf 
of third parties  
2) Unbound for BSE listed equity and other 
securities. 
3) Licence required from the BMA.  
 
 For depository services in respect of BSE 
listed equity and other securities, approva l 
required from the BSE . 
 1) Unbound 
 
  
 
 
2) Unbound 
 
3) No limited liability companies (W.L.L.s) can 
undertake making investments on behalf of 
third persons . None   
  Locally incorporated companies and 
branches of foreign companies whose 
objects prescribe  for the provision of 
custodial services shall be licenced to 
provide custodial services by the BMA . 
 
 None, except that only public or private 
joint stock companies may make 
investments on behalf of third parties.  
    
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 34 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
 4) Unbound save as provided for in t he headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services 
above .  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section . 
 4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services above . 
  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section .  
(j) (xiv) Settlement and 
clearing services for 
financial assets, including securities, 
derivative products, and 
other negotiable instruments. 
 (CPC 81339** or 
81319**)  
 1) Unbound for BD cheques, which must be 
done through the BMA.  BS E listed equity and 
other securities must be done through the 
BSE. 
 Unbound, except for cross-listed equities 
that may be cleared on exchanges offering 
reciprocal privileges an d that meet Bahrain 
information requirements  
2) Unbound for BD cheques, which mu st be 
done through the BMA. BSE listed equity and 
other securities must be done through the 
BSE. None.   
3) Unbound . for BD   Bahraini Dinar 
(BD) clearing must be through the Bahrain 
Monetary Agency (BMA). BSE listed 
equities/securities must be cleared through 
the BSE 
4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services 
above .  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section . 
 1) None (except as indicated in market access 
columns). Unbound  
  
 
  
 
2) None (except as ind icated in market access 
columns ). 
 
 
3) None (except as indicated in market access 
columns). Unbound  
 
 
 
4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services 
above .  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section    
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 35Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
(l)  (k) (xv) Advisory 
intermediation , and other 
auxiliary financial 
services on all the 
activities listed in 
subparagraphs (a) (v) 
through (k)   (j) (xv) 
above, including credit reference and analysis, 
investment and portfolio 
research and advice, advice on acquisitions 
and on corporate 
restructuring and strategy. 
 (CPC 8131)  
 1) As for (a) (1) above for this activity.  None  
2) None 
3) Investm ent Advisers and Representative 
Offices require a licence to undertake 
activities in/from Bahrain . 
Credit referenci ng agencies should adhere to 
requirements for confidentiality set by the 
BMA for banks' customers.  
 None  
4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services 
above . 
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section  
 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
 
  
 
  
4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services above . 
  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section    
(k)  (l) (xvi) Provision and 
transfer of financial 
information, and 
financial data processing and related software by 
suppliers of other 
financial services. 
 (CPC 8131)  
 1) Unbound for BSE listed equity and other 
securities  equities/securities  equities and 
securities.  Otherwise, none.  
2) Unbound for BSE listed equity and other 
securities  equities/securities . equities and 
securities. Otherwise, none.  
3) Unbound for BSE listed equity and other 
securities  equities/securities . Otherwise, 
none.  Licence from the Ministry of  Cabinet 
Affairs and  Information and the Ministry of  
Transportation required for provision and 
transfer of financial information. 
Confidentiality requirements for banks’ 
customers set by the Agency apply . 
 1) Unbound for BSE listed equity and other 
securities , except as indicated in the column 
for limitations on market access . 
2) Unbound for BSE listed equity and other 
securities , except as indicated in the column 
for limitations on market access  
3) None (except as indicated in the market 
access columns) . 
 Unbound, except as indi cated in the column 
for limitations on market access 
  
 4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Financial Services 
above .  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section  4) Unbound save as provided for in the headnote 
for Banking and other Finan cial Services 
above .  
 Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section . 
   
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 36 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
8. HEALTH RELATED 
AND SOCIAL SERVICES 
(other than those listed 
under 1.A.h-j.)    
A.  Hospital services 
(CPC 9311)  1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) A private hospital may be established by  
Bahraini doctors with no less than 5 years 
of continues experience or by organizations, 
companies and societies established in 
Bahrain 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Unbound 
  
 
 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section  
B. Other Human Health 
Services (CPC 9319, 
other than 93191)   
 
 Services of 
medical 
laboratories 
(CPC 93199) 1) None  
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Unbound 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 
  
E. Social Services 
(CPC  933) 1) None  
2) None  
3) None  
4) None  
 1) None  
2) None  
3) None  
4) None    
  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1
 Page 37Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
9. TOURISM AND 
TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES 
    
1). According to the Amiri Decree no . (15) 1986 along with the Mini sterial resolution no.(4) 1994  Ministerial resolution no. (1 ) 1996,  Tourism Affairs is 
responsible to obtain the legal taxes on Hotels, Tourist Flats wh ich is known as Hotel Service Ch arges. These  charges consist of 5% of the total income of the 
hotel from tourist appartments and it w ill be obtained every 3 months.  
2) It is incumbent to adhere to the la ws of copyrights, journalism,. publications, press  and the Law of works and labour.  
3) Assume management respons ibility for any obscure activity and co nsequences of financial  obligatio ns, no selling or transfer of the C.R. unless receiving a 
written agreement from Ministry of Information.  
4) Adherence to customs, traditions, and mo rals within a social framework which is p ermitted in the kingdom of Bahrain in tackl ing certain topics whic h the  
media  institution / company in produc tion , preparation for broadcast or di stribution or  exhibiting in deals.  
5) Ban all political parties, a nd military institutions to invest  in media domain in general.  
 
A. Hotels and Restaurants 
(CPC 641-643)  1) None 
2) None 
3) Just for hotels 4 and 5 stars. 2 hotels in a 
year  
 Only 5 star hotels and subject to market 
needs. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 
 1) None 
2) None 
3) None   
 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 1. Casinos are prohibited 
completely in the 
Kingdom of Bahrain  
10. RECREATIONAL, 
CULTURAL & 
SPORTING SERVICES  
(other than audiovisual 
services):      
A) Entertainment services  
(including theatre, live 
bands and circus 
services) (CPC 9619) 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 1) None 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section   
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 38 Mode of Supply: (1) Cross-border supply  (2) Consumption abroad  (3) Commercial presence (4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or Sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Limi tations on  National Treatm ent Additional Commitments 
11. TRANSPORT 
SERVICES  
C.  Air Transport Services   
    
a) Maintenance and 
repair of aircraft (excluding line 
maintenance) 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 1) None 
2) None 3) None 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section 
  
b) Selling and Marketing 
of air transport services    
c) Computer Reservation 
System services 
     TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
 Page 39 
 
 
 REFERENCE PAPER FOR BASIC TELECOM 
  
Scope
: 
 The following are definitions and principles on the regulatory framework for the basic 
telecommunications services.  
Definitions
: 
 Users:
 mean service consumer s and service suppliers. 
 Essential facilities
: mean facilities of a public telecomm unications transport network or service 
that 
 
 a) are exclusively or predominantly provided by a single or limited number of 
suppliers; and 
  b) cannot feasible be economically or tec hnically substituted in order to provide a 
service. 
 A major suppliers:
 is a supplier which has the ability to materially affect the terms of 
participation (having regard to price and supply) in the relevant market for basic 
telecommunications services as a result of:  
 a) control over essential facilities; or 
  b) use of its position in the market  1. Competitive safeguards:
 
 
1.1 Prevention of anti-competitive practices in telecommunications:  
  Appropriate measures shall be maintained for the purpose of preventing suppliers who, 
along or together, are a major supplier from engaging in or continuing anti-competitive 
practices. 
 1.2 Safeguards
: 
  The anti-competitive practices referred to above shall include in particular:  
a) engaging in anti-competitive cross-subsidization; 
 b) using information obtained from compet itors with anti-competitive results; and 
 c) not making available to other services  suppliers on a timely basis technical 
information about essential facilities and commercially relevant information 
which are necessary for them to provide services. TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 40 
 
 
  
2. Interconnection:  
 
2.1 This section applies to linking with suppliers providing public telecommunications 
transport networks or services in order to allow the users of one supplier to 
communicate with users of another suppli er and to access services provided by another 
supplier, where specific commitments are undertaken. 
 
2.2 Interconnection to be ensured : 
  Interconnection with a major supplier will be en sured at any technically feasible point in 
the network.  Such interconnection is provided: 
  a) under non-discriminatory terms, condit ions (including technical standards and 
specifications) and rates and of a quality no less favourable than that provided 
for its own like services or for like services of non-affiliated service suppliers or 
for its subsidiaries or other affiliates; 
  b) in a timely fashion, on terms, co nditions (including technical standards and 
specifications) and cost-oriented rates th at are transparent, reasonable, having 
regard to economic feasibility, and sufficiently unbundled so that the supplier need not pay for network components or facilities that it does not require for the 
service to be provided; and 
  c) upon request, at points in addition to the network termination points offered to 
the majority of users, subject to charges th at reflect the cost of construction of 
necessary additional facilities. 
 2.3 Public availability of the procedures for interconnection negotiations
: 
 
 The procedures applicable for interconnectio n to a major supplier will be made publicly 
available. 
 2.4 Transparency of interconnection arrangements
: 
 
 It is ensured that a major supplier will make  publicly available either its interconnection 
agreements or a reference interconnection offer. 
 2.5 Interconnection: dispute settlement
: 
  A service supplier requesting interconnection with a major supplier will have recourse, 
either: 
a) at any time or b) after a reasonable period of time  which has been made publicly known. 
 
 to an independent domestic body, which m ay be a regulatory body as referred to in 
paragraph 5 below, to resolve disputes re garding appropriate terms, conditions and 
rates for interconnection within a reasonable period of time, to the extent that these 
have not been established previously.  TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
 Page 41 
 
 
  
3. Universal service : 
 
 Any Member has the right to define the ki nd of universal service obligation it wishes to 
maintain.  Such obligations will no t be regarded as anti-competitive per se , provided 
they are administered in a transparent, non-discriminatory and competitively neutral 
manner and are not more burdensome that necessary for the kind of universal service 
defined by the Member. 
 
4. Public availability of licensing criteria : 
  Where a license is required, the following will be made publicly available:  
a) all the licensing criteria and the period  of time normally required to reach a 
decision concerning an applicable for a license and 
b) the terms and conditions of individual licenses.  
 The reasons for the denial of a license w ill be made known to the applicant upon 
request. 
 
5. Independent regulators
: 
  The regulatory body is separate from, and not accountable to, any supplier of basic 
telecommunications services.  The decisions of and the procedures used by regulators 
shall be impartial with respect to all market participants. 
 
6. Allocation and use of scarce resources
 
  Any procedures for the allocation and use of scarce resources, including frequencies, 
number and rights of way, will be carried out in an objective, timely, transparent and non-
discriminatory manner.  The current state of a llocated frequency bands will be made publicly 
available, but detailed identification of frequenc ies allocated for specific government uses is not 
required.  
_______________ 
 
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 42 
 
 
 ATTACHMENT   
 
Kingdom of Bahrain  
Classificatio n of  Basic telecom services  
  
"Basic data service" means a telecommunication s service that consists of the conveyance of 
messages, excluding:  
 
(a)  any additional service having been provide d in respect of the conveyance of those message;  
 
(b)  any delibe rate removal or addition to the in formation content of those messages.  
 
(c ) two -way real -time speech; and    
 
(d) mobile radio communications.  
 
"Basic voice service" means a telecommunication s service involving the transmission of two -
way real -time speech , excluding;  
 
(a)  any additional service having been provided in respect of the real -time two way speech 
conversation;  
 
(b)  any deliberate removal or addition to the information content of that real -time two -way 
speech conversation; and  
 
(c )  mobile rad io communications.    
 
"National fixed telecommunications network" means a public telecommunications network 
which facilitates the conveyance by whatever me ans, including, but not limited to, fixed 
wireless technology, of signals between network terminatio n points at fixed locations within 
the licensed area but which does not comprise any telecommunications equipment designed 
for use for mobile radio communications  
 
"National fixed telecommunications service" me ans any basic data service or basic voice serv ice 
(including public payphone, telegraph and telex services) other than an international 
telecommunication service or mobile radio communications.  
 
"International telecommunications facilities" means any other telecommunications facilities 
used or intende d for use in connecting the Kingdom  of  Bahrain to other countries for the 
provision of an international telecommunications service.  
 
"International telecommunications service" mean s the provision of telecommunications services 
between the Kingdom of Bahra in and other countries.  
 
"Mobile telecommunications network" means a public telecommunication network which 
facilitates the conveyance by whatever means of si gnals between network termination points at 
fixed locations within the licensed area and which sig nificantly comprises telecommunications 
equipment designed or adapted for use for mobile radio communications.   TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
 Page 43 
 
 
  
"Mobile telecommunications service" means an y basic data service or basic voice service 
provided by means of GSM mobile radio communications (i ncluding international 
telecommunications service) and third generati on and associated services. The licensee is 
authorized, on a non -exclusive basis, to provide by means of its mobile telecommunications 
network the mobile telecommunications services in th e licenses area.  
 
"Paging services" means telecommunicati ons services that consist of the one -way conveyance of 
a message to a subscriber by way of mobile radio communications. Nothing in the preceding 
sentence shall authorize the licensee to provide any t elecommunications service that would 
require a mobile telecommunications license.  
 
"VSAT services" means telecommunicati ons services, including international 
telecommunications services, provided by mean s of a satellite telecommunications network 
between fixed points that are equipped with v ery small aperture terminals equipment.  
 
"Public access mobile radio services" means tel ecommunications services that consist of the 
two-way conveyance of messages between the memb ers of the same closed user group, by w ay of 
mobile radio communications, provided that such conveyance may not originate from or 
terminate on a public telecommunications network. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall 
authorize the licensee to provide any telecommunications service that would  require a mobile 
telecommunications license.  
 
"Internet" mean an integrated computer networ k through which users are connected to each 
other by means of the TCP/IP family of protocols;  
 
"Internet services" means services provided to the public whose provi sion consists of subscriber 
interaction with the Internet or the transmissi on of information to or over the Internet. The 
licensee may not offer a basic voice service be tween the kingdom of  Bahrain and other 
countries, nor may it facilitate by the use of its telecommunications network the offer by a third 
party of such a service, unless and until such time as it is granted an international 
telecommunication license in accordan ce with the Telecommunications Law.  
 
"Value added services"  means enhanced of va lue added telecommunications data and or voice 
service that act on the format, content, code of protocol of information in order to provide the 
user with additional or different information or that involve subscriber interaction with stored 
information, in cluding computer and data processing serv ices, data information and exchange 
services, credit card verification services but ex cluding transmission services to or over the 
internet.  
 
"Call" include communications conveying voice and data.  
 
"Free -phone serv ices" means an automated reversed charge mechanism whereby a caller pays 
nothing while the person receiving  such calls bears all costs.  
 
"Licensed area" means the territory of the Kingdom of  Bahrain.  
 
"Operator assistance service"  means a telecommunicatio ns service by means of which a 
member of the public may, at any time, request to be connected to another person by means of 
terminal equipment which is lawfully connected to a national fixed te lecommunications network 
and which is capable of transmitting a nd receiving unrestricted two -way voice telephony 
services.  
 TN/S/O/BHR/Rev.1 
Page 44 
 
 
 "Public emergency call service" means a teleco mmunications service by means of which any 
member of the public may, at any time without incurring any charge or use any coin or other 
token, by mean s of any terminal equipment which is lawfully connected to a national fixed 
telecommunications network and which is capabl e of transmitting and receiving unrestricted 
two-way voice telephony services, communicate whic h any of emergency organizations for th e 
purpose of notifying such organization of an emergency.  
 
"Public payphone" means a telephone, including telephone kiosks, that is available to the 
general public for the use of telecommunication s services, the means of payment for which is 
coins of other  means.  
 
"Resale services" means telecommunications serv ices purchased from the licensee by another 
licensed operator and made available to any user,  together with such additional services as the 
licensed operator may provide.  
 
"Telegraph service" means th e transmission of telegraph signals via a national fixed 
telecommunications network.  
 
"Telex service" means a service which is provided for the purpose of text communication only 
by directly transmitting text message between terminal equipment connected to  a national fixed 
telecommunications network.  
 
"Terminal equipment" means any appliance, a pparatus or accessory co nnected to the public 
telecommunications network to enable recepti on and transmission of telecommunications 
services.  
 
"Mobile terminal equipm ent" means any appliance, apparatus or accessory connected to the 
mobile telecommunications network to enable reception and transmission of 
telecommunications services.  
 
"Third Generation services" means the tele communications services associated from time  to 
time with a mobile telecommunications network complying with the 3GPP specification adopted 
by the Regulator.  
 
"Cable landing station" means the point at which any cable landed in Bahrain connects to 
another public telecommunications network within the  Kingdom of Bahrain, including, but not 
limited to, buildings, equipment and land necessary  to establish and maintain such connection.  
 
"Message"(1) means any data, writing or visual image or combination of them, but excludes  
 
(a) speech, music or other sound s; and  
(b) Video.  
 
"Message"(2) means that part of any transmitted signal representing information to be 
conveyed from one end user to another.  
 
"Closed user group" means a group of persons  (not being the general public) whose members 
subscribe for the licens ed services and have a common identifiable interest that is independent 
of, and predates, the licensed services.  
 
"Mobile Virtual Network Operators": Pl ease use public domain definition.  
 
__________