The UAE and Bahrain are aiming to strengthen their collaboration in vital sectors such as transport, logistics, and infrastructure. Recently, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, met with Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications in Bahrain, to discuss potential joint projects.

During their discussions, the two ministers focused on implementing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in transport, which seeks to facilitate the exchange of technical and administrative experiences. They also aim to collaborate on national workforce training and capacity building, alongside initiatives in sustainable mobility, autonomous driving, and digital transformation. This visit aligns with both countries’ commitment to enhancing synergies and contributing to regional socio-economic development.

One area of focus was improving the competitiveness of ports and logistics services. The ministers explored opportunities to develop infrastructure that would keep pace with global maritime transport trends. Al Mazrouei emphasized the significance of building partnerships based on knowledge and expertise exchange, stating that the meeting was an excellent opportunity for advancing projects that align with the region’s strategic goals. He praised the strong relationship between the UAE and Bahrain, highlighting its role in fostering strategic partnerships across various sectors.

Dr. Al Khalifa added that Bahrain has an ambitious strategy to create an integrated and sustainable transport ecosystem that encompasses maritime, air, and land transport, aligning with the government’s aspirations and Bahrain’s Vision 2030. He noted the importance of investing in capabilities and expressed eagerness to learn from the UAE’s successful experiences.

The commitment to strengthening bilateral ties was further underscored by a recent visit from the UAE President to the King of Bahrain. This meeting highlighted the strong bonds between the two nations and their dedication to enhancing cooperation across all sectors for sustainable prosperity.

Trade relations remain robust, with non-oil trade between the UAE and Bahrain reaching AED15.3 billion in the first half of 2024, a 26 percent increase from the same period in 2023. The UAE has also been a significant player in Bahrain’s foreign direct investment landscape, accounting for 10 percent of its FDI stocks in 2023, which positioned it third overall. According to the Bahrain Economic Development Board, Bahrain saw a record $6.8 billion in FDI inflows in 2023, further highlighting the importance of the partnership between the UAE and Bahrain in driving economic growth.