Establishment of the Institution
From a national committee in 1981 to a pioneering institution coordinating disability services across Bahrain
When the year 1981 was declared the International Year of the Disabled and a national committee was formed for that purpose, Bahrain's experience through this committee at that time was admired and appreciated by all, not only at the local and Gulf levels, but also at the Arab and international levels as well.
At that time, the National Committee for the International Year of Disabled Persons was able to set the basic principles for work in the field of persons with disabilities in Bahrain, proceeding from a thought that was open to global experiences and benefiting from the practices and experiences of others.
International Year of the Disabled
The National Committee for the International Year of Disabled Persons was formed. Bahrain's experience gained recognition at local, Gulf, Arab, and international levels for setting basic principles for disability services.
Establishment by Ministerial Decree
On May 19, 1984, the National Committee for the Disabled was established by decision of the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, by Resolution No. (2).
One of the basic recommendations was the necessity of having a body at the national level where official and private sectors specialized in disability issues are represented, with decision-making authority.
Legal Personality and Institutional Status
On May 19, 1992, in accordance with the Law on Associations, Social and Cultural Clubs, and Private Bodies, Resolution No. 10 of 1992 was issued amending the statute to create the National Institution for Services for the Disabled.
The institution practices all necessary activities aimed at drawing up general policy for rehabilitation, proposing legislation, and preparing research and studies.
Founding Organizations
The National Committee included representatives from 11 governmental ministries and civil society organizations
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Information
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
General Foundation for Youth and Sports
Regional Office of the Middle East Committee for the Affairs of the Blind, Bahrain Branch
Child and Maternal Welfare Association
Bahraini Center for International Mobility
Friendship Society for the Blind
A National Coordination Model
The establishment of NIFD represented a pioneering model for national coordination in disability services. By bringing together governmental ministries, sports authorities, and civil society organizations, the institution created a unified framework for policy-making and service delivery.
This multi-sectoral approach ensured that disability services were integrated across health, education, labor, youth development, and social welfare—establishing Bahrain as a regional leader in comprehensive disability support systems.
Learn More About Our Work
Discover our current objectives, leadership, and the network of centers we coordinate
About NIFD