The government has been urged to fast-track the long-awaited King Hamad Causeway linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with MPs stressing its heightened strategic, security and economic importance in the wake of the Iranian attacks.
The motion, submitted by a group of MPs led by Dr Abdulhakeem Al Sheno, argues that the current regional climate renders the project ‘an urgent national necessity’.
“The King Hamad Causeway is now directly linked to national security and regional stability,” Dr Al Sheno said. “Strengthening logistical and defensive connectivity between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia has become more important than ever.”
Beyond security considerations, Dr Al Sheno highlighted the project’s powerful economic dimension, noting the trade relationship between the two countries.
“Trade between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia reached around 44 billion Saudi riyals in 2022 and represented nearly 19.7 per cent of Saudi trade with GCC countries in the third quarter of 2024,” he said. “This bridge will significantly enhance the flow of goods, services and investments.”
He added that around 5,000 Saudi companies operate in Bahrain, reflecting strong commercial ties that could expand further with improved connectivity.
“The causeway will revitalise tourism, open new investment opportunities and reinforce Bahrain’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub,” he said.
According to projections cited in the proposal’s explanatory memorandum, regional connectivity plans could see up to 95 million tonnes of goods transported by 2045, with the new causeway playing a central role.
Dr Al Sheno said accelerating the project would also align with Bahrain’s broader infrastructure and development plans.
“This is about future readiness,” he added. “It strengthens infrastructure, supports Gulf economic integration and demonstrates Bahrain’s commitment to protecting its national interests while enhancing its regional standing.”
The King Hamad Causeway is a planned $4 billion strategic project linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, running parallel to the existing King Fahad Causeway. It aims to facilitate passenger and freight trains, along with vehicles, acting as a major logistics and passenger hub.
It is planned to include both road lanes and a railway line for cargo and passengers.
MPs also unanimously approved amendments to two key laws to eliminate all references to compulsory prison labour, replacing them with structured rehabilitation and vocational training programmes in line with international standards. The revised legislation has now been referred to the Shura Council.
The amendments were made to the Penal Code of Bahrain and the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution Law.
Under the current Penal Code, inmates serving custodial sentences are required to perform work assigned in prison. The amendment replaces this with mandatory rehabilitation and vocational training programmes at reform and rehabilitation centres, tailored to inmates’ abilities and aimed at social reintegration.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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