bahrainthismonth.com | SEPTEMBER 2026 SAUDI IN BAHRAIN 15 What defines the partnership between our two Kingdoms and how will it continue to evolve? What makes the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain truly special is that it goes far beyond the conventional relationship between two neighbouring countries. We share a long history, close family and social ties, common values and a deep sense of mutual trust. This relationship enjoys the support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, strengthened by close coordination between the two Crown Princes and Prime Ministers. Today, our cooperation covers areas including political and security coordination, trade and investment, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, culture and technology. The SaudiBahraini Coordination Council translates our leaderships’ aspirations into practical initiatives. Ultimately, we do not simply share interests, we share history, security, family ties and aspirations for the future. That is what makes this relationship exceptional. Which Vision 2030 achievements make you most proud and what opportunities do they present for Bahrain? Its ambitions are producing tangible results. Our economy is becoming more diversified, new sectors are growing and opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship have increased. We have also seen remarkable progress in Saudi women’s participation in the economy and leadership positions. Tourism is another clear example. In 2025, Saudi Arabia recorded around 123 million tourist visits, including more than 30 million inbound visits. After reaching its original 100 million target early, the Kingdom now aims for 150 million annually by 2030. For Bahrain, there is considerable potential in tourism, financial services, logistics, industry, technology, healthcare and investment. The first Saudi-Bahraini Investment Forum brought together more than 400 participants. A stronger Saudi economy can contribute to a more integrated Gulf economy. How do the King Fahd Causeway and proposed King Hamad Causeway strengthen ties? The King Fahd Causeway is one of the best examples of Saudi-Bahraini integration. It connects families, businesses and communities every day. Since opening in 1986, it has facilitated trade, supported tourism, strengthened investment and made the relationship between our peoples part of everyday life. In 2025, 33.7 million travellers used the Causeway. For many Saudis and Bahrainis, travelling between the two Kingdoms is part of family, social and business life.The proposed King Hamad Causeway could provide a strategic transport corridor and support rail connectivity as part of the wider GCC railway network, strengthening supply chains, supporting tourism and reducing logistical costs. How do Saudi businesses contribute to Bahrain and where can collaboration grow? Saudi investors have long viewed Bahrain as a natural and trusted economic partner. Their established presence across financial services, industry, real estate, healthcare, hospitality and retail reflects Bahrain’s attractive business environment and confidence in our bilateral relationship. This is a two-way partnership. Vision 2030 is creating opportunities for Bahraini companies, investors and entrepreneurs in the Kingdom’s sectors. We should create more joint ventures, strengthen supply-chain integration, exchange expertise and explore new markets together. There is considerable potential in advanced manufacturing, logistics, financial technology, tourism, healthcare, food security, digital services and artificial intelligence. SMEs and young entrepreneurs should play an increasing role, creating opportunities for the next generation in both Kingdoms. How important are the cultural, historical and family ties between the Kingdoms? Long before formal agreements, there were strong connections between our families, communities and societies. We share kinship ties, traditions, values, language and a cultural heritage that naturally brings us close together. Political and economic cooperation are important, but genuine affection between two peoples makes the relationship more resilient and enduring. Every day, families cross the Causeway, people travel for work and study and Saudis and Bahrainis spend weekends, holidays and national occasions together. Relations between countries are strongest when supported not only by governments but by their people. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are fortunate to have both. What would you most like Bahrain’s readers to discover about Saudi Arabia? I would like readers to discover Saudi Arabia’s remarkable diversity. Visitors can experience Riyadh’s energy and transformation, Jeddah’s historic character, Diriyah’s rich heritage, AlUla’s extraordinary landscapes and archaeological treasures, Asir’s mountains and cooler climate and the beautiful Red Sea coastline. Each destination has its own identity, traditions, cuisine and character. I would particularly encourage visitors to experience Saudi hospitality. Welcoming guests is deeply rooted in our culture and remains one of the most authentic and memorable aspects of visiting the Kingdom. New experiences are emerging across heritage, culture, nature, entertainment, sport and coastal tourism as Saudi Arabia prepares to host Expo 2030 Riyadh and the FIFA World Cup 2034. My message is simple: come and rediscover a Kingdom opening new horizons while remaining proud of its history, identity and values. Where can the Kingdoms work more closely in education, innovation and technology? These will be among the most important areas of cooperation because our future competitiveness depends on knowledge and human capital. Both Kingdoms recognise that emerging technologies will shape the next phase of economic development. Artificial intelligence is increasingly important to Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation, while Bahrain has considerable experience in digital government, fintech and digital services. These strengths support cooperation in AI, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, smart cities, data, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Our universities can collaborate on research, academic exchanges and specialised programmes in medicine, engineering, AI, sustainability and renewable energy. Our Gulf ambition should not simply be to adopt technologies developed elsewhere, but to help create them. Giving young people the skills and opportunities to innovate together may be among our valuable investments. What National Day message would you convey to Bahrain and its Saudi community? Saudi National Day is a special occasion. We remember with pride the founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, and our country’s unification. We also reflect on the Kingdom’s development and look confidently towards the future. To our brothers and sisters in Bahrain, I express our appreciation for the warmth always shown towards Saudi Arabia and its people. Bahrain is a brotherly Kingdom with which we share history, family ties, security, values and aspirations. To the Saudi community in Bahrain, each of you is an ambassador for your country. Through your professionalism, values and contribution to Bahraini society, you strengthen this relationship every day. We pray that Allah blesses Saudi Arabia and Bahrain with security, stability and prosperity. We share a proud history, enjoy an exceptional partnership today and, I am confident, will share an even more prosperous future.
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