The journey time between Ruwais Port and Saada Port takes between (70 to 80 minutes)
The project, in its first phase, includes transporting passengers from Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Yesterday, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Transport, and His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transport and Communications of the Kingdom of Bahrain, inaugurated the regular maritime passenger link project between the State of Qatar and the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain, marking the start of a new phase of constructive bilateral cooperation in the field of maritime transport between the two countries.
The project, which connects Ruwais Port in the State of Qatar to Saada Port in the Kingdom of Bahrain, covers a sea distance estimated at approximately 35 nautical miles (equivalent to 65 kilometers).
On this occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Transportation, said: “This project is a pioneering strategic step that reflects the depth of fraternal ties between the two brotherly countries, and strengthens the bonds of cooperation and integration between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.”
His Excellency added: “The project also reflects the State of Qatar’s keenness on the development and strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain, and its advancement in the transportation, transportation and related logistics services sector, in a way that serves common interests and enhances economic integration within the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council system.
His Excellency added: “The Ministry, in cooperation and coordination with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in the Kingdom of Bahrain, was keen to apply the highest standards of safety, security and operational quality, to ensure a comfortable and safe travel experience for passengers, and to enhance the efficiency of maritime transport services between the two countries.”
His Excellency thanked the Ministry of Transport and Communications in the Kingdom of Bahrain and all concerned parties in the two countries for their sincere efforts in completing this vital and important project.
Shared vision
For his part, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Ibrahim Al-Maadheed, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transportation, stressed that the maritime link project between the State of Qatar and the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain embodies a common vision between the two countries, considering transportation one of the vital engines of sustainable development.
His Excellency said: “The inauguration of the new shipping line is not only limited to transporting people and expanding transportation options, but is a qualitative step towards building a stimulating platform for multiple economic, tourism and service activities, which would achieve tangible returns for all sectors.”
Ease and flexibility
The journey time between Ruwais Port and Saada Port in the Kingdom of Bahrain takes between 70 to 80 minutes, and reservation services are available through an electronic application (MASAR) that allows travelers to choose their dates with ease and flexibility. The project’s services in its first phase include transporting passengers only from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with the first operational flights starting during the period from (7 to 12 November 2025) with two flights daily (round trip), one in the morning and the other in the evening. It will later increase to three flights per day from (13 to 22 November 2025), with the possibility of gradually increasing it according to demand and usage rate.
Capacity
The project includes regular class boats with a capacity of up to 28 passengers per trip, and private business class (VIP) boats with a capacity of up to 32 passengers, equipped with hospitality services and modern facilities to ensure passengers’ comfort. All security and customs procedures adopted in the two countries are also applied to the flights to ensure the safety of travelers.
This project is considered a qualitative leap in the Gulf maritime transport system, and embodies the two countries’ commitment to enhancing regional integration and facilitating the movement of people, in support of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s vision towards a unified, safe and sustainable transport network.