Contracts signed for the fourth phase of the project connecting Muharraq Island to Manama, supported by a Saudi grant exceeding SAR 937 million for all project phases, as part of a longstanding development partnership whose contributions have surpassed SAR 10.9 billion.

Manama | BETH

November 12, 2026

Bahrain's capital, Manama, witnessed the signing of contracts on Thursday for the implementation of the fourth phase of the Busaiteen Bridge Project, financed by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) through a grant from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exceeding SAR 937 million for all phases of the project.

The signing ceremony was attended by Bahrain's Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, with the participation of SFD Chief Executive Officer Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid, Bahrain's Minister of Works, Engineer Ibrahim bin Hassan Al-Hawaj, and Deputy Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain Abdullah bin Misir bin Tawalah.

Connecting Muharraq to Manama

The project aims to strengthen connectivity between Muharraq Island and the capital, Manama, facilitate traffic flow, and improve the efficiency and capacity of Bahrain's road network to accommodate the country's urban and economic growth.

The SFD Chief Executive Officer explained that the fourth phase would help support Bahrain's social and economic development requirements, within the framework of development cooperation between the two countries extending over nearly five decades.

For his part, Bahrain's Minister of Works emphasized that the signing of the contracts reflects the depth of Saudi-Bahraini relations and the importance of their partnership in implementing infrastructure projects and promoting sustainable development.

34 Development Projects

Over approximately 50 years, the Saudi Fund for Development has contributed to financing 34 development projects and programs in Bahrain, covering energy, transportation, social infrastructure, and other sectors.

These contributions, provided through concessional development loans and Saudi grants, have exceeded SAR 10.9 billion in total.

BETH Analysis | Infrastructure Strengthens Gulf Integration

The importance of the Busaiteen Bridge extends beyond facilitating travel between Muharraq and Manama.

Developing transport networks helps improve the movement of people and economic activity while increasing the attractiveness of areas connected to the project.

Continued Saudi financing also reflects a long-term development approach centered on investment in infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth and social stability.

The Saudi-Bahraini partnership demonstrates that Gulf integration is not limited to economic and political agreements. It also takes shape through development projects that have a direct impact on people's daily lives and economic activity.