Inauguration of a shipping line between Qatar and Bahrain, the first maritime connection in the region

Yesterday, Thursday, Qatar and Bahrain launched a regular maritime connection project to transport passengers between Ruwais Port in northern Qatar and Saada Port in Bahrain, in a step considered a new phase of bilateral cooperation in the maritime transport sector between the two countries, in the first maritime connection in the region.

The project connects a sea distance estimated at approximately 35 nautical miles (65 km) with two trips per day, with the trip duration taking about 70 minutes, with expansion soon to 3 trips per day.

Qatari Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani stressed that the project represents a pioneering strategic step that embodies the depth of ties between the two countries and enhances paths of cooperation and integration within the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council system.

He added that this maritime connection reflects the State of Qatar’s keenness to develop development and strategic partnerships with Bahrain, and to advance the transportation and logistics sector in a way that serves common interests and enhances Gulf economic integration.

Safety standards

He pointed out that the Ministry, in coordination with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in Bahrain, worked to implement the highest standards of safety, security and operational quality to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience.

For his part, the Undersecretary of the Qatari Ministry of Transport, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Ibrahim Al-Maadeed, explained that the project embodies a common vision between Doha and Manama, noting that transportation constitutes one of the main drivers of sustainable development. He said that the new shipping line is not limited to transporting individuals only, but also opens the way for various economic, tourism and service activities, thus enhancing returns on various sectors.

The flight time between Ruwais and Saada takes between 70 and 80 minutes, with reservations available through the “Masar” application (MASAR) which facilitates the selection of appointments for travelers.

Number of trips

The first operational phase of flights will begin between 7 and 12 November of this year, with two flights per day (round trip), one in the morning and the other in the evening, and will increase to three flights per day from 13 to 22 November, with the possibility of gradually increasing it according to demand.

The project includes regular class boats with a capacity of 28 passengers, and other VIP class boats (VIP) A card for 32 passengers, equipped with modern hospitality services and facilities, at a time when all security and customs procedures adopted in the two countries are applied to ensure the safety of passengers.

Qatar and Bahrain recently revived their land bridge project, known as the “Love Bridge”, with the aim of facilitating travel within the GCC countries and promoting joint trade and investments.

The bridge extends for about 40 kilometers over the Arabian Gulf, linking the northwestern coast of Qatar with the island of Bahrain. In 2008, the two countries established a joint institution to supervise the project and plans for a unified Gulf railway.

The cost of the project is about 4 billion dollars, according to the design of the company “Vinci”, but the delay increased the cost by about 1 billion dollars due to major modifications to the designs. Its route was chosen between Askar in Bahrain and Ras Usheirj in Qatar, and its implementation period would take 4 to 5 years.