Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council Convenes Fourth Meeting, Bolstering Bilateral Ties with Key Agreements

High-Level Meeting in Manama

The Kingdom of Bahrain recently hosted the fourth meeting of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council in its capital, Manama, on December 3, 2025. The high-profile gathering was co-chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain. The meeting proceeded under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, of Saudi Arabia, underscoring the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations.

Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding Signed

A significant outcome of the council meeting was the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) designed to expand cooperation across a wide array of sectors. These agreements aim to strengthen the bilateral partnership and foster joint development. Key areas addressed by the signed documents include:

• Nuclear safety and radiation protection: An MoU was established between Saudi Arabia's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission and Bahrain's Supreme Council for Environment.
• Diplomatic studies: A cooperation program was signed between the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute and the Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy.
• Avoidance of double taxation: An agreement was concluded between the Saudi Ministry of Investment and Bahrain's Ministry of Finance.
• Sustainable development cooperation: An MoU was signed between the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning and Bahrain's Ministry of Sustainable Development.
• Competition promotion and protection: An MoU was established between Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Competition and Bahrain's Competition Promotion Authority.
• Direct investment encouragement.
• Railway collaboration, including training and qualification in the field of railways.
• Higher education partnerships, specifically cooperation between the University of Bahrain and King Saud University.
• Non-profit sector development, focusing on procedures, mechanisms, and strategies.

Strategic Projects and Future Outlook

Beyond the signed agreements, the council also announced several strategic projects and decisions aimed at further integrating and developing the two economies. These initiatives include the phased implementation of an electronic integration system for the King Fahd Causeway, the activation of electronic gates for e-passport holders at airports in both countries, and the facilitation of proof of origin procedures for Bahraini industrial exports to Saudi Arabia. Educational cooperation will be boosted through scholarships for Bahraini students in Saudi Arabia, and intellectual property registration between the two countries will be approved.

Significant infrastructure and energy projects were also highlighted, such as Bahrain's accession to the Middle East and North Africa Regional Safety Oversight Organisation (MENA RSOO), the establishment of an integrated data center in Bahrain for the Saudi Telecom Company (STC), and the laying of a submarine fiber optic cable linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia with global networks. Furthermore, ACWA Power's investment in Bahrain's Al Ezzel, Al-Dur, and Al Hidd power generation and desalination plants, and the establishment of a solar power plant in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province connected to Bahrain (by BAPCO Energies & ACWA Power), underscore the commitment to energy collaboration.

Both Crown Princes expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing the distinguished bilateral partnership. The fifth session of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council is scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia at a date to be determined by the Council's General Secretariat.