Ferry service to link Bahrain and Qatar to welcome more visitors, insha'Allah
Assalamu alaykum - A new ferry will soon carry people between Bahrain and Qatar, a step meant to bring more guests ahead of plans for a unified Gulf tourist visa, insha'Allah.
The 70-minute crossing will run from Saadah Marina on Muharraq Island in Bahrain to Al Ruwais Port in Qatar, the operator Masar Group announced.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, said this strategic initiative helps increase sea travel, makes it easier for citizens and residents to move between countries, supports tourism, and strengthens social and cultural ties.
He described the ferry as an important investment in maritime tourism and a boost for the economy. The project lines up with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 to reduce reliance on oil. It also fits with regional plans to improve rail connections between the Gulf states to make travel and trade smoother - the Gulf railway is aiming for completion around 2030 and is expected to help trade and tourism while supporting economic diversification.
The ferry launch comes just before a pilot of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa due this quarter. That Schengen-style visa would allow non-Gulf visitors to travel to the six Gulf countries with one permit, making multi-country trips easier.
Masar Group, part of Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Holding Company, called the sea link a quick and convenient alternative to driving or flying. Yousif Al Mana, Masar’s CEO, said passengers will be able to book trips via an app.
Bahrain is also working to strengthen air links to attract more international travellers and build its role as an aviation and logistics centre, competing with other regional hubs while neighbouring countries invest heavily in their aviation sectors. This week Bahrain signed a preliminary agreement with AirAsia to explore establishing a hub in the country.
Elsewhere, experts note the growing interest in digital assets like NFTs, which combine aspects of currency, assets and licensing. They can be bought and sold and may generate income, but unlike money they are unique and their future value depends on demand.
On a different note, sustainable lifestyle changes remain important locally. Entrepreneurs encourage simple steps like taking refillable containers for takeaways, planting edible herbs and avoiding single-use plastics - small choices that can add up, if we make the intention and follow through.
May Allah bless these efforts to make travel easier and promote responsible growth across the region. Wa alaykum as-salam.
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