Transport

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.