Bahrain’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday revealed its members are anticipating a $2.9 billion surge in spending once the King Fahd Causeway re-opens later this month.
The figure is based on tourist spending habits from 2019 and comes after Saudi Arabia announced it will lift its suspension on citizens travelling abroad, and open land, sea and air borders on May 17.
Bahrain welcomed more than 12 million visitors in 2019, predominantly from Saudi Arabia and neighboring GCC countries.
Ali Al-Mudaifa, executive director at the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: “Deep economic, political and cultural connections between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are the foundation of our relationship. Although trade between our two nations has been sustained with great success during Covid-19, tourism was significantly affected."
“Bahrain provides a multidimensional tourist marketplace including properties and other investment opportunities that can leverage the Kingdom’s close proximity to Saudi Arabia...We look forward to welcoming Saudi visitors back to the island.”
Over the last 12 months, significant investments have been made into Bahrain’s real estate and tourism sectors, including several wellness, resort and coastal and maritime developments.
