Four fishing and marine jetties across Bahrain are set to receive new fuel pumps, in a move welcomed as a major boost to services for fishermen and boat users.
Work has already begun on installing the first pump at Ras Raya, with similar facilities planned for the jetties at Budaiya, Zallaq and Bandar Al Dar, according to Muharraq Municipal Council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Fadhel Al Oud.
The move also flows in harmony with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and the national ‘Yachting in Bahrain’ agenda, reflecting the kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its reputation as a premier destination for boating enthusiasts, as reported earlier in the GDN.
Mr Al Oud said the latest move responds directly to long-standing demands from marine users and fishermen for better services at the jetties. “The installation of the fuel pump at Ras Raya is an important step towards completing the essential services needed by fishermen and boat users,” he said.
The development follows communication with Oil and Environment Minister and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Dr Mohammed Bin Daina, who has political responsibility for the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE).
Mr Al Oud said the council had maintained close follow-up on the needs of Ras Raya through recommendations, official correspondence, meetings with the relevant authorities and field visits.
“We have worked continuously to convey the needs of the jetty and to ensure that the concerns of fishermen and users are heard,” he said. “Our field visits have given us a clear picture of the challenges they face, while our meetings and official communications have helped keep these issues on the agenda.”
Ras Raya is considered an important facility for Bahrain’s fishing sector and is estimated to contribute around 60 per cent of the fish supplied to the local market. However, fishermen have long highlighted gaps in infrastructure and supporting services, including electricity and water supplies, fuel and diesel facilities, parking and public amenities.
Mr Al Oud said providing reliable fuel facilities would make a tangible difference to the daily operations of fishermen.
“A fishing jetty cannot function effectively without the basic services that allow fishermen to work safely and efficiently,” he said. “Fuel is one of those essential requirements, and providing it at the jetties will save fishermen time and effort while supporting the continuity of their work.”
He also welcomed plans to extend the service to Budaiya, Zallaq and Bandar Al Dar, describing the four-pump programme as a positive development for Bahrain’s marine sector.
Mr Al Oud expressed his appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for his continued support for national development and improving services.
He also thanked Dr Bin Daina for his support and follow-up in advancing services at Bahrain’s jetties and addressing the needs of seafarers.
“The fishermen are an important part of Bahrain’s heritage and economy, and supporting them means supporting a vital national sector,” Mr Al Oud said. “We hope these developments will be followed by further improvements to ensure our jetties have the infrastructure needed for a modern and sustainable sector.”
The planned fuel station at Budaiya has also been welcomed by Budaiya municipal councillor Mohammed Al Dossary, who described the move as an important response to a long-standing need.
Mr Al Dossary said the provision of a dedicated marine fuelling facility would make life considerably easier for fishermen and boat users while reducing the need to transport fuel from land-based petrol stations.
“This is a positive and much-needed development for the fishermen and sea users of Budaiya,” he added. “Providing fuel directly at the jetty will save time and effort and, more importantly, improve safety. We welcome this move and hope the facility will be completed and placed into service as soon as possible.”
He stressed that reliable access to fuel was an essential service for the marine community and said the development would help create better working conditions for fishermen.
“The fishermen should not have to travel long distances or depend on transporting fuel manually from distant stations,” he said. “Having a proper fuelling facility at the jetty will make their work safer, easier and more efficient.”
The ‘luxury’ seafarer sector has not been forgotten either. As highlighted in the GDN, once regional challenges are addressed, Seef is set for a touch of Monaco aimed at blending its maritime history with its potential status as the glamorous, celebrity-frequented destination in the Arabian Gulf.
Late last year one of Bahrain’s leading five-star beach resorts – The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain – embraced the kingdom’s bid to boost the number of yacht arrivals by launching a ‘luxury boat culture’ experience.
The initiative has been made possible thanks to Edict (9) of 2025 offering a new fast, effective navigation permit service for visiting vessels to make sailing in Bahraini territorial waters safer and more accessible.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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