Bahrain, Qatar Discuss Fast-Tracking 40KM Causeway
His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to strengthening its historic ties and strategic developmental partnership with the State of Qatar. The focus is on enhancing cooperation in land, sea, and air connectivity, as well as logistics services, in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar.
This came during an official meeting at the Ministry headquarters with H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Qatar's Minister of Transport, and his accompanying delegation. The visit aimed to explore avenues for economic and investment collaboration and to exchange technical and operational expertise in areas such as land transport, railways, maritime navigation, and civil aviation.
Dr. Al Khalifa emphasized Bahrain's pride in its growing partnership with Qatar under the royal vision and the government's guidance, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He highlighted the importance of strengthening regional integration in infrastructure and transportation, safeguarding maritime and air navigation, and supporting joint economic ventures within the GCC framework.
Key developmental and strategic projects were discussed, including the 40-kilometer Bahrain-Qatar Causeway for land connectivity and a proposed joint maritime link. These initiatives aim to facilitate the movement of people, goods, and vehicles, promote trade and tourism exchange, boost supply chain efficiency, and attract investments in logistics, tourism, and industry. The projects are also expected to create new job opportunities and reinforce the socio-economic and cultural bonds between the two nations.
The ministers also reviewed practical steps to accelerate the implementation of these connectivity projects, improve related infrastructure and logistics services, and establish joint working teams to ensure progress aligns with global best practices. They expressed hope that these strategic projects would contribute significantly to GCC economic integration, complementing the ongoing GCC railway project expected to be completed by 2030.
Dr. Al Khalifa reaffirmed Bahrain's readiness to provide the necessary infrastructure for the success of land and maritime links and to further develop logistics services in alignment with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in achieving shared development goals.
Qatar's Minister of Transport, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani, expressed his country's pride in the strong fraternal ties with Bahrain and its keenness to expand cooperation in transportation, ports, logistics, and digital innovation. He underscored the importance of implementing joint development projects to support sustainable growth and Gulf-wide economic integration for the benefit of all regional peoples.
At the end of the visit, both ministers toured maritime landmarks, including a boat trip to Bu Maher Fort and a visit to the Manama Post Museum, which showcases the evolution of postal and communication services in Bahrain and their role in regional and international exchange.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
11 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain emerges as key Gulf hub for sustainable investment opportunities
Bahrain took center stage in the global investment landscape as it hosted the official regional launch of the World Investment Report 2025 by UN Trade & Development (UNCTAD) at Swiss-Belhotel, Manama. The event brought together economists and private sector leaders to explore the latest trends in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with special attention to Bahrain's evolving investment profile. The report was launched simultaneously in major cities including New York, London, Tokyo, and Cairo, underscoring its global relevance. According to the report, in Bahrain greenfield investments, a key indicator of long-term investor confidence, showed remarkable growth. Double In 2024 Greenfield investment doubled, reaching $1.5 billion. The manufacturing sector saw notable gains, while financial services remained the largest FDI recipient, attracting $2 billion of the total $2.5 billion invested. Bahrain's financial sector remains a dominant force, accounting for $30 billion of the country's total $46 billion in FDI stock. It continues to represent the backbone of foreign capital in the Kingdom. The manufacturing and business services sectors followed, reflecting a diversification push aligned with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030.
Gulf Insider
17 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Qatar's Economy to Grow 6.5 Per Cent by 2027
Qatar's economy is set to accelerate significantly over the next two years, with growth projected to rise from 2.4 per cent in 2025 to an average of 6.5 per cent in 2026–2027, according to the World Bank's Gulf Economic Update. The sharp rise in growth will be driven primarily by the North Field LNG expansion, which is expected to boost Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) output by 40 per cent, transforming the country's hydrocarbon sector performance. While hydrocarbon growth is expected to remain modest at 0.9 per cent in 2025, the World Bank anticipates a major turnaround once the new LNG capacity comes online, cementing Qatar's position as a global energy leader. In parallel, non-hydrocarbon sectors such as education, tourism, and services continue to show strong momentum, supported by infrastructure investment and international partnerships. This diversification effort is central to Qatar's long-term economic vision. Key insights from the World Bank report: Qatar's economic growth: 2.4 per cent in 2025, rising to 6.5 per cent in 2026–2027 2.4 per cent in 2025, rising to 6.5 per cent in 2026–2027 Gulf-wide GDP: Projected to reach 3.2 per cent in 2025 and 4.5 per cent in 2026 Projected to reach 3.2 per cent in 2025 and 4.5 per cent in 2026 Non-oil growth across the GCC: Driven by structural reforms, investment, and private sector activity Driven by structural reforms, investment, and private sector activity 2024 regional growth: Improved to 1.7 per cent, up from just 0.3 per cent in 2023 Despite the upbeat forecast, the World Bank cautioned that global trade tensions and potential economic slowdown remain risks for Gulf economies. To safeguard future prosperity, it urged continued focus on economic diversification, innovation, and youth job creation. Division Director for the GCC countries at the World Bank Safaa El Tayeb El-Kogali said: 'The resilience of GCC countries in navigating global uncertainties while advancing economic diversification underscores their strong commitment to long-term prosperity. 'Strategic fiscal policies, targeted investments, and a strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation for youth are essential to sustaining growth and stability' Also read: Qatar Launches World's Largest 3D-Printed Building Project With Two Futuristic Schools
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Daily Tribune
StanChart Bahrain earns regional recognition
TDT | Manama A global banking giant's Bahrain arm has won Asia-wide honors for its wealth management platform, reflecting the local team's success in delivering high-impact financial solutions. Standard Chartered Bahrain has been named 'Wealth Management Platform of the Year - Bahrain' at the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2025. The accolade highlights how Bahrain's financial sector continues to gain regional recognition for service excellence and digital transformation. Celebrating achievement Dr. Boutros Klink, CEO of Standard Chartered Bahrain, said the award validates the bank's efforts to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions to wealth management clients. 'We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts to provide world-class financial services. This award is testament of our team's hard work in ensuring our wealth management clients have access to the best possible digital wealth management solutions,' he said. The award also reflects Standard Chartered's broader strategy of combining global experience with strong local execution. Client-first innovation Standard Chartered Bahrain's platform integrates digital tools with advisory services, offering clients seamless access to options across geographies. The bank's digital wealth proposition is designed to meet the evolving needs of customers seeking both convenience and expertise. With operations in 53 markets, the bank has continued to invest in sustainability, customer service, and next-generation financial technology. Regional spotlight The Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards are considered a benchmark for excellence across Asia's financial landscape. Standard Chartered Bahrain's recognition places it among the top performers driving change in retail banking in the region.
