Middle East

Reopening of Bahrain to Saudi Arabia route promises billion-dollar boost

A strong return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism has been predicted in Bahrain as the island nation prepares to reopen the King Fahd Causeway to Saudi Arabia.

Like elsewhere in the region, Bahrain has reported a steady rise in cases of Covid-19, up to 649 infections on February 14 compared with just 114 in mid-November.

The King Fahd Causeway was due to reopen on March 31, but that date has been pushed back to May 17.

The causeway has been closed since March 8 last year under strict restrictions enforced in the country to control the spread of coronavirus.


It will allow Saudi citizens to travel into the country by road, and offer a billion-dollar financial boost to the economy, experts predict.

A suspension on international flights is also due to be lifted on the same date, allowing Saudi citizens back into the country via air, land and sea.

“Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have had longstanding tourism and trade ties, with trade between our two countries growing 43 per cent during the third quarter of 2020,” said Dr Ali Al Moulani, president of the Bahrain Economists Society.

“The recent announcement made about permanently opening the King Fahad Causeway will strengthen these ties even further.

“The number of visitors from Saudi Arabia is set to gradually go back to normal levels following this announcement and expected to add about $2.9 billion to Bahrain’s economy this year based on average tourist spending in 2019.”

Source-The National News

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