Bahrain has unveiled a comprehensive National Maritime Strategy, marking a major step toward transforming the Kingdom into a leading regional hub for trade and logistics. Announced by H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, the strategy aligns with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and aims to position the Kingdom as a key player in global maritime connectivity.

The strategy represents a roadmap for sustainable growth, focusing on modernizing port infrastructure, digitalizing maritime operations, and integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence into logistics management. It also seeks to attract high-value investments and strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors to ensure effective implementation.

The national maritime framework translates Bahrain’s vision into actionable projects, with the goal of enhancing the efficiency of supply chain management, trade facilitation, and environmental sustainability. The government emphasizes that the initiative is not limited to port development but encompasses digital transformation, green practices, and human-capital development to secure long-term resilience.

Recent figures reflect Bahrain’s growing momentum: the logistics sector already contributes around 7% to the national GDP, and port activity continues to expand, with Khalifa Bin Salman Port handling hundreds of thousands of containers annually. With the implementation of this strategy, it is expected to increase Bahrain’s share of regional maritime trade and to bring a surge in foreign direct investments (FDI) in logistics, warehousing, and supply-chain technology.

The strategy also complements Bahrain’s broader diversification efforts, as outlined in its post-oil economic agenda. The maritime industry is set to play a central role in connecting Bahrain’s economy with international markets, particularly as global trade through the Gulf grows and new shipping routes emerge. Bahrain’s geographic location, between major Asian and European corridors, offers a strategic advantage for trans-shipment and value-added logistics.

Moreover, the maritime strategy integrates environmental sustainability goals, promoting the adoption of green shipping standards and the use of smart automation to minimize carbon emissions. H.E. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa stressed the importance of building a resilient, technology-driven, and environmentally responsible maritime ecosystem that safeguards resources for future generations.

The recent National Maritime Workshop, hosted in the Bahrain Logistics Zone, brought together senior officials, private-sector leaders, and experts to align national priorities. The discussions focused on practical steps to improve port governance, digital systems, and talent development; all essential to ensure Bahrain’s competitiveness.

In the long term, the strategy is expected to boost GDP growth by diversifying trade-related revenues and enhancing integration with global value chains. In essence, Bahrain’s maritime strategy represents more than a transport policy; it is an investment in the Kingdom’s future economic architecture. By combining innovation, environmental responsibility, and private-sector partnership, Bahrain is positioning itself as a forward-looking maritime nation, capable of competing with larger regional economies and reinforcing its reputation as a reliable global trade gateway.

Mona Saad Al Resais, Research Analyst