The direct passenger-only ferry service covers nearly 35 nautical miles (about 65 km), connecting Al-Ruwais Port in northern Qatar with Sa’ada Marina in Bahrain.
Minister of Transport H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani described the project as a groundbreaking 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 a developmental and strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain and advancing the transportation industry and its associated logistics services, thereby serving mutual interests and boosting economic integration within the GCC system.
The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (MTT) of the Kingdom of Bahrain, was keen on applying the highest safety, security, and operational quality standards to ensure a convenient and safe travel experience and enhance the efficiency of maritime transportation services between the two countries, H.E. the Minister said. He thanked the Bahraini MTT and concerned bodies of both countries for their sincere efforts in completing and delivering this important project.
The MOT Undersecretary H.E. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Maadeed stated that the maritime linkage project between Qatar and Bahrain embodies the shared vision of both countries, which sees transportation as one of the key drivers of sustainable development.
He added that launching the new ferry line is a qualitative step that creates a platform incentivizing various economic, tourist, and service activities, which can reflect positively on all industries, in addition to transporting individuals and making more mobility options available.
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, the service will be available for passengers from the GCC countries only. The initial trips will run from November 7 to 12 with two round trips a day (one in the morning and one in the evening), increasing 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. Each standard vessel can transport up to 28 passengers and each VIP vessel up to 32 passengers per trip, with modern and comforting hospitality services on board. All trips are subject to 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 regional integration and streamlining the movement of individuals, thereby supporting the GCC vision toward a uniform, safe, and sustainable transportation network. The ticket prices for the Qatar-Bahrain ferry service are as follows: A Standard round-trip ticket costs QR 256.84, while a One-way Standard ticket is priced at QR 174.46. For VIP travelers, the round-trip fare is QR 353.77, and a one-way VIP ticket costs QR 256.84.
Kids under 2 years old travel at half price. (Qatar News)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com
