- The Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications: The project embodies the wise vision to enhance the transport system and expand horizons for joint Gulf cooperation
His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, affirmed that the inauguration of the passenger sea line between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Qatar is a result of the comprehensive development journey led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
HE the Minister highlighted that the project embodies the wise vision to elevate the transport system and expand horizons for joint Gulf cooperation.
The inaugural voyage of the passenger sea line departed from Saadah Marina on Muharraq Island, heading to Ruwais Port in the State of Qatar. Upon his arrival, HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa was welcomed by HE Shaikh Mohamed bin Abdullah bin Mohamed Al Thani, the Minister of Transport of the State of Qatar, along with a number of senior officials, in a celebratory atmosphere reflecting the profound fraternal relations between the two countries.
In a statement on this occasion, HE the Minister explained that this strategic project paves the way for increasing maritime passenger transport options between the Kingdom of Bahrain and its brethren in the GCC states. This will facilitate the movement of citizens, residents and visitors between the two countries, support tourism and cultural activities, and enhance social ties between the two brotherly peoples. His Excellency noted that this line represents the first international passenger sea link between two countries in the Gulf region.
HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa added that the launch of the sea line between Bahrain and Qatar represents a qualitative investment in the marine tourism sector and a significant boost to the national economy. He confirmed that the Ministry is working to develop an integrated maritime passenger transport system connecting the Kingdom of Bahrain with its regional neighbours, in accordance with the highest standards of safety and sustainability. This falls within a clear and ambitious strategic framework for developing land, sea, and air transport sectors, aligning with the principles of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, which is anchored on sustainability, competitiveness, and fairness.
HE the Minister also commended the efforts of His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior, for his full support of the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and for facilitating the procedures to implement the project with the highest safety and security standards for the operation of the passenger sea line. He emphasised that this constructive cooperation between the two ministries embodies the government integration approach that characterises the national work system in supporting development and modernisation plans and enhancing the Kingdom's regional standing in the maritime transport sector.
Furthermore, HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa expressed his profound thanks and appreciation to HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Thani, the Qatari Minister of Transport, and to all relevant authorities in the State of Qatar for their cooperation and dedication in bringing this joint project to fruition with the highest safety standards. He affirmed that this sea line strengthens the bonds of interconnection and integration between the two brotherly countries.
For his part, Mr. Hussain Mohammed Al qaseer, Chairman of Masar group, stated that the launch of the passenger sea line between the two countries is part of the vision of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to support national projects aimed at developing transport and tourism infrastructure. He clarified that "MASAR," a subsidiary of the company, will operate the sea voyages between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Qatar, in line with its commitment to contributing to the national economy and diversifying the economic base.
In turn, Engineer Yousif Khalifah Al-Mana, Chief Executive Officer of the MASAR Group, confirmed that the Group is proud to operate the new sea line. He indicated that the journeys between Saadah Marina in Muharraq Island and Ruwais Port in the State of Qatar will take only about 70 minutes and are available for booking through a dedicated electronic application (MASAR), which allows travellers to choose their timings with ease and flexibility. He affirmed the Group's commitment to providing a safe and comfortable sea travel experience in accordance with the highest standards of quality and safety.
It is worth noting that the inauguration of this passenger sea line represents a qualitative leap in the course of Gulf maritime connectivity. It reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain's keenness to enhance regional cooperation and facilitate the maritime movement of individuals, thereby contributing to easier mobility within the GCC states and boosting marine tourism.
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