Bahrain - Qatar Ferry Service Will Facilitate International Passengers

Illustration. (Source: Masar Group)

JAKARTA - A new ferry service will transport international passengers between Bahrain and Qatar, a move aimed at attracting more visitors ahead of the integrated Gulf tourism visa plan.

"This 70-minute ferry trip will connect Saadah Marina on Muharraq Island in Bahrain to Al Ruwais Port in Qatar," said service operator Masar Group in a statement.

"This strategic project opens the way for increased sea travel, facilitates the movement of citizens and residents, supports tourism, and strengthens social and cultural order," said Bahrain's Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, launching The National November 15.

"This ferry service is a "significant investment" in the maritime tourism sector and the driving force of the country's economy," added Sheikh Abdullah.

Masar Group, a subsidiary of the Mumtalakat Holding Company in Bahrain, said the Bahrain-Qatar ferry service was a "fast and comfortable" alternative to land and air travel.

CEO of Masar Yousif Al Mana Group said passengers can book ferry trips using the app.

This project is in line with the Bahrain 2030 Economic Vision to diversify its revenue from the oil sector.

This step was also taken amid pressure to build a railway line between six member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to facilitate the transportation of people and goods. The Gulf railway project, which is scheduled to be completed by 2030, is expected to facilitate trade, increase tourism, and contribute to their national economic diversification agenda.

The ferry service also comes ahead of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa pilot launch, scheduled for this quarter, to test the system before its full launch.

This visa program is a Schengen-style initiative that allows non-convex citizens to visit one of the six countries in the region with one visa. This program is also known as the GCC Grand Tours Visa.

Bahrain is known to be trying to improve its air network to attract more international tourists and strengthen its position as an aviation and logistics center. The country aims to compete in an area that already has established travel centers in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha, while Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in developing its aviation infrastructure.

This week, Bahrain also signed an initial agreement with AirAsia to establish a center in the country. Capital A, Malaysia's airline, signed a cooperation agreement with the Bahrain Ministry of Transportation.