Logistics Infrastructure and Services in Bahrain

Strategically located at the heart of the Arabian Gulf, the Kingdom of Bahrain is an ideal hub for global transportation and logistics companies wishing to establish or expand their presence in the GCC.

Backed by advanced and interconnected transport infrastructure, Bahrain offers convenient access to the GCC market by air, road or sea. Moreover, the region’s largest economy, Saudi Arabia, is just a 30-minute drive across the King Fahd Causeway.

Bahrain’s business-friendly environment, competitive operating costs, skilled local workforce and fast customs clearance times make setting up in the Kingdom an attractive proposition.

The Kingdom continues to develop its offerings and is investing $32 billion into new infrastructure projects that will further expand and connect its transportation network both locally and internationally.

For more information, please visit the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications or the Bahrain Economic Development Board.

Bahrain International Airport (BIA)

The only international airport in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Bahrain International Airport (BIA) is the most modern boutique airport in the Gulf, having recently undergone a major transformation as part of a US$1.1 billion Airport Modernization Program (AMP).

Four times the size of its predecessor, the new terminal is designed to deliver a more personal, Bahraini feel. Equipped with the latest technologies and supported by advanced infrastructure, it increases the airport’s capacity to 14 million passengers and 130,000 air traffic movements per year.

Although the new terminal is the most significant element, the AMP is a much wider regeneration initiative of the whole airport platform. Several other infrastructure elements are also being redeveloped, including a new cargo area, a central utilities complex, a multistorey car park, a Super Gate, a fire station, a fuel farm complex, a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar and a private aviation terminal to cater to VIPs and private aircraft owners.

With its state-of-the-art warehouses, aircraft parking, and associated infrastructure, the new cargo area will enable BIA to handle larger volumes more efficiently, better cater to express cargo customers’ needs and create new job opportunities. Its development also supports government-led efforts to transform logistics and air cargo into one of Bahrain’s primary industries.

Leading logistics companies like DHL have used Bahrain as a base for their Middle East operations since the 1980s, and US multinational courier company FedEx Express has signed up as the anchor tenant for the new Cargo Area.

BIA is a major contributor to trade, supporting the growth of tourism and travel in Bahrain. The investment in the airport expansion also reflects the government's commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth by strengthening the Kingdom's logistics sector.

Khalifa Bin Salman Port

The Kingdom of Bahrain’s only commercial port.

Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) is the Kingdom’s only commercial port and a major transportation hub, serving both Bahrain and the wider region. It has set technological benchmarks in digitalising and streamlining logistics and port services, and continues to drive the Kingdom's maritime trade and industrial sectors.

KBSP’s strategic location in the middle of the Gulf and its deep-water berths and approach channel, enable it to accept the largest container vessels. Meanwhile, its direct overland links to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia positions the port as a major regional distribution centre. Located in Hidd Industrial Area, the port is just 13km away from Bahrain International Airport and is linked to Mina Salman, the old port, by a 5km causeway.

Under the management of AMP (Airport Modernization Program) Terminals, a global terminal operator, the port is one of the most modern in the Gulf. Its offerings include container operations, general cargo services, roll on/roll off, breakbulk projects, and passenger terminal services, as well as marine and logistics that meet the highest international standards.

Bahrain Logistics Zone

The Bahrain Logistics Zone is the region’s first boutique logistics park.

The Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ) is the region’s first boutique logistics park, offering users an ultramodern gateway to the GCC market. Situated near the Kingdom’s main sea, air and land transport hubs, the BLZ offers tenants the shortest transit times in the region and convenient access to surrounding markets, including the region’s largest economy, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Regulated and managed by the Ports and Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, the BLZ offers local, regional and international companies a base to establish and operate freely in a customs-bonded area.

• BLZ is an ideal choice for companies engaged in:
  • Third-party logistics (3PL) and freight forwarding services.
  • General and specialised storage and distribution activities for re-export purposes.
  • Value added logistics services such as component assembly, packing and packaging, labeling, testing and repair, mixing, weighing and filling, and other light manufacturing activities.

The multimodal logistics hub offers a wide range of solutions that cater to virtually all logistics needs. End-to-end customised customs solutions and dedicated account managers for administrative and management purposes are just some of the resources available.

• The main benefits of choosing Bahrain Logistics Zone are:
  • 100% foreign company ownership is allowed.
  • Multimodal access by land, sea, and air.
  • Flexible plot options with a range of plot sizes starting from 3000 m² onwards.
  • Purpose-built infrastructure with an ample road network and plot entry allowances, designed for lorry traffic.
  • Dedicated 24-hour customs services.
  • Services such as facilities management and special waste management.