Bahrain–Saudi Summit Unveils New Economic and Development Projects

GULF SUMMIT 2025: His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, co-chaired the fourth meeting of the Bahraini–Saudi Coordination Council today in Bahrain.

The meeting was held under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reflecting the strong historic relationship and shared goals between the two kingdoms.

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad welcomed the Saudi Crown Prince and highlighted the long-standing and steadily growing ties between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. He noted that cooperation between the two nations continues to drive economic growth and benefit both peoples.

Prince Salman also praised the role of Prince Mohammed bin Salman in supporting joint projects and initiatives approved by the Council.

For his part, Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his pleasure at visiting Bahrain and meeting with King Hamad and Prince Salman. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to enhancing cooperation across all sectors.

During the meeting, both countries announced several new initiatives, including:

• Launching phased electronic integration for the King Fahd Causeway.

• Activating e-gates for e-passport holders at airports in both countries.

• Simplifying proof-of-origin procedures for Bahraini exports to Saudi Arabia.

• Providing scholarships for Bahraini students in Saudi Arabia.

• Approving joint intellectual property registration.

• Bahrain joining the MENA Regional Safety Oversight Organisation (RSOO).

• Establishing an STC data centre in Bahrain.

• Installing a new submarine fibre optic cable connecting both kingdoms to global networks.

• ACWA Power investing in major power and desalination plants in Bahrain.

• Developing a solar power plant in Saudi Arabia connected to Bahrain’s grid.

A number of agreements and memoranda of understanding were also signed, covering areas such as double taxation avoidance, investment promotion, competition protection, diplomatic studies, nuclear safety, railway training, university cooperation, sustainable development, and non-profit sector coordination.

Both Crown Princes also agreed to hold the fifth session of the Coordination Council in Saudi Arabia, with the date to be announced later. Several senior officials and committee heads attended the meeting.