Manama / Doha: A new passenger-only ferry service linking the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Bahrain has officially opened to non-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, marking a major milestone in regional transportation integration. The route connects Al-Ruwais Port in northern Qatar with Saʽada Marina in Bahrain’s Muharraq Island, spanning approximately 35 nautical miles (≈ 65 km) and completing in 70-80 minutes.
Initially inaugurated on November 6 for GCC citizens, the service was slated to run two round-trips daily (morning and evening) from November 7 to 12, then expanding to three round-trips per day from November 13. Booking is managed through the MASAR mobile app.
Standard vessels accommodate 28 passengers and VIP vessels up to 32, both furnished with modern amenities and hospitality services onboard. All voyages operate under the full security, customs and operational protocols as agreed by both countries.
Crucially, non-GCC nationalities are now eligible to book trips via the MASAR app, opening the maritime corridor to global travellers. Reports confirm that the service was made available to all nationalities shortly after launch.
Transport ministers of both countries Qatar’s HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al-Thani and Bahrain’s HE Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa described the initiative as an exceptional strategic step reflecting the deep brotherly bonds between Qatar and Bahrain, while also reinforcing broader GCC economic and transport integration.
Officials say the ferry link is more than a transport initiative it is intended to stimulate tourism, logistics and service sectors in both countries, thereby supporting the region’s push toward a unified, efficient and sustainable mobility framework.
For passengers, the current fare stands at QAR 174 for a one-way Standard ticket and QAR 257 for VIP. Round-trip fares are QAR 257 (Standard) and QAR 354 (VIP). Children under age two qualify for half-price fares. Booking is strictly online via the MASAR app.
With the route now open to a wider audience, travel between Qatar and Bahrain has gained a new dimension of convenience and regional connectivity offering an alternative to flights or land crossings and signalling a fresh chapter in Gulf maritime travel.