HE Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, participated in the second edition of the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference 2025. The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court of the United Arab Emirates, from September 30-October 2.
The conference served as a premier international platform, bringing together experts and decision-makers to discuss the future of the transportation sector and explore innovative solutions to enhance global connectivity.
During a keynote session titled "Facilitated Borders: Transport as a Catalyst for Regional Integration," the Minister emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) railway connectivity project. He highlighted Bahrain’s readiness to implement this initiative through practical steps that reflect its forward-looking vision and active role in regional integration.
The Minister also underscored Bahrain’s strategic location at the heart of the GCC railway project, noting its role in the success of regional connectivity. He pointed out that the railway link would support the logistics system, stimulate economic growth, and enhance trade movement between the member states. Additionally, integrating various modes of transport and connecting the railway network to vital facilities such as ports and airports would improve the efficiency of the regional transportation system and foster integration among member countries.
HE Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed further elaborated on the King Hamad Causeway and the Bahrain-Qatar Causeway projects as extensions of this strategic approach.
The King Hamad Causeway will enhance direct connectivity between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, while the Bahrain-Qatar Causeway will facilitate the movement of passengers and goods between Bahrain and Qatar, the Minister added.
HE Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed said that these projects are expected to reduce transportation times, increase trade and logistics flows, create new investment opportunities, and bolster Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for transport and logistics services.
The Transportation Minister underscored that these integrated projects, in collaboration with the railway network, would support sustainable development, enhance the efficiency of the transportation system, and achieve integration among the GCC countries, serving the interests of the region’s people and promoting economic cooperation.
During his visit to the accompanying exhibition, the Minister toured several pavilions, as well as major global companies specialising in technologies, innovations, and financial solutions. He reviewed key projects and programmes on display, which represent opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange among participating countries and institutions, thereby enhancing the development of the transportation and infrastructure sector both regionally and internationally.
Last Updated Date: 02-10-2025
