Minister of Transportation and Communications: The project embodies the wise vision of strengthening the transportation system and expanding the horizons of joint Gulf cooperation
His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transport and Communications, confirmed that the inauguration of the passenger sea line between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the sisterly State of Qatar is one of the fruits of the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great king of the country, may God protect and preserve him, and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, noting that the project embodies the wise vision of enhancing The transportation system and expanding the horizons of joint Gulf cooperation.
The inauguration flight of the passenger sea line began from Saada Port on Muharraq Island, heading to Ruwais Port in the State of Qatar, where His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa was received upon his arrival by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Transport in the sisterly State of Qatar, and a number of senior officials, in a festive atmosphere that reflects the depth of the fraternal relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Qatar.
His Excellency the Minister explained in a statement on this occasion that the work on this strategic project opens the way for increasing the means of maritime transport for passengers between the Kingdom of Bahrain and its brothers in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which contributes to facilitating the movement of citizens, residents and visitors between the two countries, supporting tourism and cultural activity, and enhancing social communication between the two brotherly peoples, noting that this line is the first international maritime connection for passengers between two countries in the Arabian Gulf countries.
His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa added that the inauguration of the sea line between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Qatar represents a qualitative investment in the marine tourism sector and an important tributary to the national economy, stressing that the Ministry is working to develop an integrated maritime transport system for passengers linking the Kingdom of Bahrain to its regional neighbourhood, in accordance with the highest standards of safety and sustainability, within a clear and ambitious strategic framework to develop the land, sea and air transport sectors, in line with the principles of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which is based on sustainability and competitiveness. And justice.
His Excellency the Minister praised the efforts of His Excellency Lieutenant General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, in fully supporting the Ministry of Transport and Communications and facilitating the project implementation procedures in accordance with the highest standards of safety and security in operating the passenger sea line. He stressed that this constructive cooperation between the two ministries embodies the government integration approach that distinguishes the national work system in supporting development and modernization plans and enhancing the Kingdom’s regional position in the maritime transport sector.
His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa also expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Transport in the sisterly State of Qatar, and to all concerned authorities in the State of Qatar for their cooperation and care to complete this joint project with the highest safety standards, stressing that this sea line strengthens the bonds of interdependence and integration between the two brotherly countries.
For his part, Mr. Hussein Mohammed Al Qaseer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the “Masar” Group, stated that the launch of the passenger sea line between the two countries comes within the vision of the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company “Mumtalakat”, the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to support national projects aimed at developing the infrastructure for transport and tourism. He explained that the company’s “Masar” Group will undertake the operation of cruises between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Qatar, within the framework of its commitment to contribute to strengthening the national economy and increasing the diversification of the economic base.
In turn, Engineer Yousef Khalifa Al Mana, CEO of Masar Group, confirmed that the group is proud to be in charge of operating the new sea line, noting that the trips between Saada Port on Muharraq Island and Ruwais Port in the State of Qatar will take only about 70 minutes, and that they are available for booking via a dedicated electronic application (MASAR) that allows travelers to choose their dates with ease and flexibility, stressing the group’s commitment to providing a safe and comfortable maritime travel experience in accordance with the highest standards of quality and safety.
It is worth noting that the launch of this passenger sea line represents a qualitative leap in the path of Gulf maritime connectivity, and reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain’s keenness to enhance regional cooperation and facilitate the movement of people across the sea, which contributes to facilitating movement within the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and promoting marine tourism.
