Tourism and hospitality leaders in Bahrain are preparing for a surge of visitors from Saudi Arabia as international borders reopen later this month. They hope to recover huge losses suffered during the pandemic.
Once restrictions are lifted on May 17, officials expect visitor numbers from the kingdom to return to pre-pandemic levels and offer a much needed economic boost.
Figures from the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority showed visitor numbers in the first quarter of 2020 were almost half that of the previous year.
Two million tourist nights were recorded, compared with 4.1 million in the same three-month period of 2019.
Many visitors travelled to Bahrain from Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway, but that was closed on March 8, 2020, because of Covid-19.
We look forward to welcoming our neighbours back to the country
"The reopening of the KSA/Bahrain border is extremely welcome for businesses of all shapes and sizes across Bahrain who consider our connection to Saudi Arabia a strategic artery for ongoing growth," said Sameer Nass, chairman of the Bahrain Chambers of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
“Our long-standing trade and tourism ties with Saudi Arabia are set to flourish once again in 2021.
"The progress both countries have made towards implementing safety measures against Covid-19 means that we can now look ahead to a time when the causeway will be open on a permanent basis.
“We look forward to welcoming our neighbours back to the country.”
As the global pandemic took hold, visitor numbers to Bahrain fell by 92 per cent in March 2020, from 1,154,318 to just 92,046.
Officials hope a rapid bounce-back could mean a $2.9 billion boost to Bahrain’s economy as tourists begin to return to the island state.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have long-standing tourism and trade ties.
Trade between the two countries grew 43 per cent during the third quarter of 2020.
The recent announcement made about permanently opening the King Fahad Causeway will strengthen those ties further, it is hoped.
Saudi Arabia will lift the ban on travel for its vaccinated citizens on May 17, allowing movement by land, air and sea.
Vaccinated adults who have received both doses, or one dose 14 days prior to the date of departure, will be allowed to travel, as will all Saudis aged under 18 and those who have recovered from Covid-19 in the past six months.
Saudia airlines on Wednesday issued guidelines for 38 countries for when borders reopen. Bahrain, like other Gulf states, is listed.
Before the pandemic, Bahrain welcomed about 11 million tourists, with about 88 per cent of them arriving across the King Fahd causeway.
“The number of visitors from Saudi Arabia is set to gradually go back to normal levels,” said Dr Ali Al-Moulani, President of the Bahrain Economists Society.
“It is expected to add about $2.9 billion to Bahrain’s economy this year based on average tourist spending in 2019.”
Saudia airlines issues travel guidelines to 38 countries
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
The five pillars of Islam
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Company%20profile
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UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)