Bahrain and Saudi Arabia launch new ferry and causeway plans

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are preparing to launch a new passenger ferry route that will connect the two Gulf countries. The project is expected to improve travel, trade, and tourism between the two nations. It was officially announced during the Second Maritime Industries Sustainability Conference held in Jeddah, where regional transport development was one of the key topics.

Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, confirmed that the new service will operate between Khalifa bin Salman Port in Bahrain and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The sea connection will not only carry passengers but also support cargo shipments.

Officials believe this route will bring the two countries closer together, strengthen economic cooperation, and give travelers more options for moving between the nations. It is also seen as the next step in a broader plan to improve connectivity across the Gulf region.

A modern passenger sea link for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

The launch of the ferry service is a milestone for both countries. At present, most travelers use the King Fahd Causeway, the busy road bridge that has been the main link between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia since 1986. The new sea route will provide an alternative, reducing congestion on the causeway and offering more flexibility.

The ferry service is designed to make travel simple and comfortable. Passengers will be able to board at Bahrain’s Khalifa bin Salman Port, a modern facility built to handle both cargo and cruise ships. On the Saudi side, ferries will arrive at King Abdulaziz Port, one of the region’s largest and busiest ports, with extensive infrastructure to support trade and passenger movement.

By adding this maritime route, both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia aim to create a reliable and safe mode of transport that strengthens their economic and cultural ties. It also opens up opportunities for people who prefer sea travel or want to avoid the long wait times that sometimes happen on the King Fahd Causeway.

The role of ports in Gulf connectivity

Both ports chosen for this project play a central role in Gulf maritime trade.

• Khalifa bin Salman Port in Bahrain has become an important logistics hub. It supports regional trade, cruise tourism, and is well-positioned to handle future passenger growth.
• King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam is the largest port in the Arabian Gulf. It is a gateway for imports, exports, and is already equipped with advanced technology and infrastructure.

The connection between these two major hubs will not only benefit travelers but will also boost shipping efficiency. Cargo transport between the countries will become faster, reducing costs and opening the door to stronger trade partnerships.

Updates on the King Hamad Causeway project

Alongside the ferry project, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are also continuing discussions about the long-awaited King Hamad Causeway. This project is seen as one of the most ambitious infrastructure plans in the region.

The proposed causeway will run parallel to the existing King Fahd Causeway. Stretching about 25 kilometers, it will support passenger vehicles, freight trucks, and railway lines. The inclusion of both passenger and cargo trains is expected to change how goods and people move between the countries.

Once completed, the King Hamad Causeway will not only ease the heavy traffic on the King Fahd Causeway but also connect Bahrain directly to the wider GCC Railway network. This means passengers could travel by train from Bahrain to other Gulf states in the future, and cargo could be shipped across the region faster and more efficiently.

Economic importance of the causeway

The King Hamad Causeway is estimated to cost between $4 billion and $5 billion. It will be developed under a public–private partnership (PPP) model. This allows private companies to invest alongside government funding, helping to spread the costs while ensuring modern design and efficiency.

The project is expected to carry three million passengers and 600,000 containers of cargo each year once fully operational. This will have a major economic impact, creating jobs, supporting businesses, and driving tourism.

By expanding transport capacity, the causeway will make Bahrain and Saudi Arabia stronger players in regional trade and logistics. It also shows their commitment to long-term economic cooperation.

Why the new projects matter

These two transport initiatives—the ferry service and the King Hamad Causeway—are not just about travel convenience. They represent a shared vision for the future of the Gulf.

Boosting tourism and travel

Tourism is a growing sector for both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. With easier transport links, more tourists will be able to explore the two countries. Cruise ships docking at Khalifa bin Salman Port could also use the ferry service to connect travelers to Dammam and beyond.

Supporting business and trade

Businesses will benefit from faster movement of goods. Whether it is oil, industrial products, or consumer goods, the new routes will cut costs and improve reliability.

Reducing congestion

The King Fahd Causeway often faces heavy traffic. With both a new ferry service and a second causeway planned, congestion will be reduced. This means smoother journeys for travelers and faster cargo delivery.

Strengthening Gulf ties

These projects highlight the strong relationship between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. They also fit into the broader vision of creating a connected Gulf region, where people, goods, and investments move freely across borders.

Linking to the GCC railway future

The King Hamad Causeway will support railway tracks that connect to the planned GCC Railway. This ambitious network aims to link all Gulf countries with a modern rail system.

For Bahrain, this is especially important since the island nation is currently only connected to Saudi Arabia by road. A rail link would bring new opportunities for both passenger and cargo transport, making Bahrain a key hub in the regional rail system.

Looking at the bigger picture

Both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have made transport development a priority. For Bahrain, projects like the ferry service and the King Hamad Causeway align with its vision of becoming a stronger logistics hub. For Saudi Arabia, these plans support Vision 2030, which focuses on economic diversification and regional leadership.

Investments in infrastructure are not just about convenience—they are about long-term growth, competitiveness, and cooperation. By working together, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are setting an example for how Gulf countries can join forces to create shared benefits.

Final thoughts

The new ferry route between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, combined with the progress on the King Hamad Causeway, marks a turning point for Gulf connectivity. These projects are set to improve travel, reduce congestion, and create stronger economic ties.

For passengers, it means more choices and smoother journeys. For businesses, it means faster trade and more opportunities. For the region as a whole, it means greater cooperation and growth.

As Bahrain and Saudi Arabia push forward with these developments, the future of transport in the Gulf looks more connected, more efficient, and more promising than ever before.