Manama: Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), announced that the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has been awarded the 2024 Abdlatif Y. Al-Hamad Development Prize for Best Development Project in the Arab World, in recognition of their joint achievement in the BIA Airport Modernisation Programme.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the award was presented to Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, and Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, Chief Executive Officer of BAC, during the Annual Joint Meetings of Arab Financial Institutions, coordinated by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and held in Kuwait.
The award recognises the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, and underscores Bahrain's commitment to sustainable development and critical infrastructure enhancement. The BIA Modernisation Programme was completed on schedule and within the allocated budget of USD 1.1 billion, marking a milestone in regional infrastructure delivery.
Al Binfalah stated that this recognition builds on the sustained achievements of Bahrain International Airport since its operational launch in 2021. He attributed the success to the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the continued follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He highlighted that the project reflects Bahrain's strategic infrastructure vision, enabled by the professionalism of national cadres and strong cooperation with regional partners, particularly ADFD.
He added that the project serves as a model of effective Gulf cooperation, demonstrating that aligning national capacity with regional support is a proven formula for accelerating sustainable development.
Al Suwaidi commended the depth of the strategic relationship with the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, describing it as a partnership spanning over five decades of shared growth. He noted that the collaboration has delivered outstanding outcomes across various economic sectors, supporting Bahrain's broader development agenda in line with Economic Vision 2030.
The BIA expansion, executed to international standards, advances Bahrain's goal of establishing itself as a global hub for travel, tourism, and trade. The project increased annual passenger capacity from 9 million to 14 million, while delivering a full upgrade of facilities, improving operational performance, and significantly enhancing the passenger experience. In line with environmental commitments, the airport achieved LEED Gold certification and adopted measures to minimise the environmental impact of aviation operations.
The Abdlatif Y. Al-Hamad Development Prize is awarded to the most impactful economic and social development project in the Arab region, either partially or fully funded by a member institution of the Arab Coordination Group, with preference given to joint Arab initiatives.