Transport
From The Report: Bahrain 2015
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Expansion of the transportation sector is regarded as crucial for future economic growth in Bahrain; the sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to increase from 4% to 7% in the coming years, driven in large part by the rising population. Upgrades at Bahrain International Airport will boost the facility’s passenger and cargo capacity with the addition of 13 new gates and 40 new check-in counters while plans to reduce congestion on the roads include a government initiative aiming to switch at least 15% of all personal journeys from automobiles to public transport by 2030, with the latter expected to receive significant public investment as a result. Meanwhile the Bahrain Logistics Zone, which began operations in 2008, continues to build up Bahrain’s role as a regional logistics centre as the kingdom looks to position itself as a key entry point to the GCC.

This chapter contains an interview with Maher Salman Al Musallam, Acting CEO, Gulf Air.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Bahrain’s transport sector expands on all fronts
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Visitors to the waterfront of Bahrain’s capital of Manama are likely to glimpse traditional wooden sailing vessels known as dhows. The ships are often seen sailing out to sea or docked in the Gulf’s calm waters. Though most are now used for fishing and small trade, rather than as commercial vessels, Bahrain’s ports still receive hundreds of commercial callers each year heading for South Asia. The dhows’ presence is testament to the fact that the nation has long been an important centre for…

Interview

Maher Salman Al Musallam, Acting CEO, Gulf Air: Interview
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Interview:Maher Salman Al Musallam What impact does competition among flight hubs in the GCC region have on the aviation sector? MAHER SALMAN AL MUSALLAM: According to a study conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Middle East is expected to have the third-fastest passenger growth rate in the world by 2016, with 5.2% growth compared to the annual global average rate of 4.6%. The study also estimates that GCC airports will be handling 250m passengers by 2020,…

Analysis

Bahrain’s airport and national carrier are set to increase capacity
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Of the six GCC states, Bahrain has the longest history of international air travel and Bahrain International Airport (BIA) is the region’s oldest airport. Today BIA receives 9m passengers a year. The airport currently serves 31 commercial and 10 cargo carriers that in total operate 921 flights per week to 45 global destinations. The next chapter planned in Bahrain’s aviation history is a major upgrade to BIA. Planned Upgrade The move corresponds with a reshuffling of national carrier Gulf Air,…

Analysis

Logistics: Positioning Bahrain as an entry point for the GCC
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Mirroring the example of Hong Kong’s logistical relationship with China, Bahrain’s economic relationship with the rest of the GCC is similarly successful. It is a small, wealthy, investor-friendly state that continues to draw expatriate workers on the edge of a massive market. Bahrain is also an increasingly important logistics hub for its larger neighbour. With recent investments in its harbour, public infrastructure and airport, the country is taking on a greater role in regional logistics. “Bahrain…