New world-class airport in Bahrain

Sunday, 3 October 2010 23:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Bahrain is planning to build a new state-of-the-art international airport in Muharraq.

The ambitious scheme was unveiled yesterday marking His Majesty King Hamad’s landmark visit to Arad.

Feasibility studies on the planned development have already started,’ Finance Minister and Mumtalakat chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said.

The new milestone, he explained, will integrate the latest standards characterising international airports to serve as a facade epitomising the new Bahrain and consolidate its long-standing reputation as a transit hub for transport and trade.

Bahrain International Airport and the seaports sector are to undergo a major revamp.

‘The aim is to ensure world-standard quality services and bolster the economic and social development march in Bahrain.’ Shaikh Ahmed said.

Bahrain Airport Company will be in charge of upgrading the airport infrastructure and other integrated facilities.

The firm will also embark on a campaign to attract leading regional and international companies in all fields.

Shaikh Ahmed highlighted the valued-added one-square-kilometre Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ).

‘Located 3km away from the Khalifa Bin Salman Port, the BLZ is the region’s first boutique logistics area offering a high-quality environment to companies that meet its tenancy requirements,’ he said.

He described the zone establishing Bahrain as a logistics hub for the Northern Gulf.

He also stressed the importance of the Khalifa Bin Salman Port and its adjacent service area, boasting offices, restaurants, retail facilities, warehouses and a petrol station, in addition to a multi-storey parking for cars intended to be re-exported.

‘Work on new 1,380-metre-long jetty is expected to be completed later this year to boost the capacity of Asry even further,’ Shaikh Ahmed said.