Pictures by Mohamed Atta
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Bahrain have launched a new 50-minute maritime passenger route - covers nearly 35 nautical miles (about 65km) - linking Al-Ruwais Port in Qatar with Sa’ada Marina in Bahrain.
Minister of Transport HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani and Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications of the Kingdom of Bahrain HE Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa launched the regular maritime linkage project between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Bahrain, ushering in a new chapter of constructive bilateral cooperation in maritime transportation.
Minister of Transport HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani described the project as a pioneering strategic step that reflects the depth of the brotherly bonds between the two countries and enhances the ties of cooperation and integration between the GCC countries.
He added that the project also reflects the State of Qatar’s keenness on the developmental and strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain and advancing the transportation industry and its associated logistics services, thereby serving the mutual interests and boosting the economic integration within the GCC system.
A round trip for an individual traveller's economy class journey will be priced at QR265. With the new ferry service, the trip between Al-Ruwais Port and Sa’ada Marina will take 70-80 minutes. Booking is available via the electronic easy-to-use application (MASAR).
In the first phase of the project, the service will be available for nationals of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) only. The first trips will be during the period November 7 to 12; two round trips a day, one in the morning and another in the evening, to increase later to three round trips a day, from November 13 to 22. The number of daily trips can be increased gradually depending on the turnout and ridership rate.
Both standard and VIP vessels are available for passengers. Each standard and VIP vessel can transport up to 28 and 32 passengers per trip, respectively, with modern and comforting hospitality services on board. All trips are subject to all the security and customs protocols of both countries to ensure the safety of all passengers.
The project represents a paradigm shift in the GCC maritime transportation system, embodying both countries’ commitment to cementing the regional integration and streamlining the movement of individuals, thereby supporting the vision of the GCC toward a uniform, safe and sustainable transportation network.
