Bahrain, Qatar launch passenger sea ferry service

MANAMA, Bahrain (MNTV) — Bahrain and Qatar are set to launch a new international passenger sea ferry connecting Saadah Marina in Bahrain’s Muharraq Island to Al Ruwais Port in Qatar, as part of efforts to enhance regional travel and tourism integration.

The 70-minute ferry service, operated by Masar Group, seeks to promote maritime tourism and strengthen social and economic ties between the two Gulf nations. 

Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, described the initiative as a “strategic project” that will stimulate the tourism sector and support national economic growth.

The venture aligns with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which emphasizes diversifying the economy beyond oil and expanding transport and tourism infrastructure. 

The project also complements the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strategy to improve connectivity, including the upcoming Gulf Railway project slated for completion in 2030.

The launch comes as the GCC prepares for the pilot rollout of its Unified Tourist Visa, a Schengen-style system allowing non-Gulf visitors to travel across all six member states using a single visa.

Masar Group, a subsidiary of Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Holding Company, said the service will provide a fast and convenient alternative to air and land routes, with ticket bookings available through a dedicated mobile app.

The initiative follows Bahrain’s continued efforts to expand its aviation sector, including a recent agreement with Malaysia’s AirAsia to establish a new regional hub in the kingdom.