A new ferry service between Bahrain and Qatar was inaugurated yesterday, marking the first international passenger sea link between two Gulf countries.
The maiden voyage of the water taxi departed in the morning from Saadah Marina in Muharraq Island to Al Ruwais Port in Qatar.
Onboard were Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and other senior officials, who were welcomed at Al Ruwais by a delegation led by Qatari Transport Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani.
Dr Shaikh Abdullah is being welcomed by the Qatari minister
Dr Shaikh Abdulla said the new sea route is a result of the comprehensive development led by His Majesty King Hamad and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
“This strategic project paves the way for expanding maritime passenger transport between Bahrain and the GCC states, facilitating the movement of citizens, residents and visitors between the two countries, supporting tourism and cultural exchange, and strengthening social ties between peoples,” he said.
“The launch of the sea route between the kingdom and Qatar represents a significant investment in the marine tourism sector and a vital contribution to the national economy.”
Dr Shaikh Abdulla on board the water taxi with other officials
Dr Shaikh Abdulla emphasised that the ministry is working to develop an integrated maritime passenger transport system connecting Bahrain with neighbouring countries in accordance with the highest safety and sustainability standards.
He commended the efforts of Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa for his support.
He emphasised that this constructive co-operation reflects the government integration approach that distinguishes the national work system in supporting development and modernisation plans and strengthening the kingdom’s regional position in the maritime transport sector.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla arriving for the launch
Dr Shaikh Abdulla expressed appreciation to the Qatari Transport Minister and all relevant authorities in Qatar for their co-operation in the successful completion of the joint project.
Masar Group chairman Hussain Mohammed Al Qaseer said the launch aligns with the vision of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, to support national projects aimed at developing transport and tourism infrastructure.
Masar Group chief executive officer Yousif Khalifa Al Mannai said the journeys between Saadah Marina and Al Ruwais Port would take around 70 minutes.
The water taxi has 20 standard seats and eight VIP seats
There will be two round trips per day. Departure times for the Bahrain to Qatar trips are 8am and 10.20am. Return times for the Qatar to Bahrain trips are 8pm and 10.20pm.
A one-way standard ticket costs BD18 while a VIP seat costs BD26.500.
Tickets for a round trip standard seat cost BD26.500 while VIP seats will be available for BD36.500.
The duration of the one-way trip is 70 minutes.
Each water taxi can accommodate 28 passengers, including 20 standard seats and eight VIP seats.
The taxis are equipped with air conditioning, WiFi and toilets.
The taxis are equipped with air conditioning, WiFi and toilets
Tickets can be booked through the dedicated electronic application MASAR, that allows travellers to select their departure times with ease and flexibility.
Travellers are advised to arrive and be near the port at least one hour before the departure time.
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