Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has been awarded the Abdul Latif Yousef Al Hamad Development Award for the Best Development Project in the Arab World 2024 for its role in supporting the expansion and modernization of Bahrain International Airport. The award was presented during the 2025 Joint Annual Meetings of Arab Financial Institutions, held in Kuwait.
The Fund’s strategic collaboration with the Government of Bahrain, established in 1974, exemplifies a model of cross-border cooperation focused on achieving sustainable development goals. The Bahrain airport project, financed by ADFD with AED3.7 billion (US$ 1 billion), forms part of the UAE’s broader AED9.2 billion (US$ 2.5 billion) contribution to Bahrain under the GCC Development Program launched in 2013.
Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, said, “This award celebrates over five decades of UAE-Bahrain partnership, which has delivered transformative projects across critical sectors. The airport expansion aligns with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, as it fuels economic growth and sets the stage for shared success in the future.”
He added that this recognition reaffirms the strength of the relations between the two nations and reflects the commitment of both sides to achieving development goals. He pointed out, “Together we will continue to chart a bright future of unique achievements that contribute to building solid foundations that support the achievement of our common goals, led by an ambitious strategic vision that strengthens the bonds of cooperation between the two countries in various fields.”
Al Suwaidi also praised the organisers of the Abdul Latif Yousef Al Hamad Development Award for highlighting initiatives that address challenges facing the Arab world through innovation, calling the airport project a “blueprint for sustainable impact”.
Bader Al Saad, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, said that the Abdullatif Al-Hamad Award, aims to highlight the importance of Arab development efforts and encourage investment in economic and social development projects, especially those supported by the Arab Coordination Group.
“We are pleased that the Bahrain International Airport expansion and development project, funded by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, has been selected for this award. it’s the project has had a strong impact on Bahrain’s economy, strengthened the country’s strategic position in international air transport, increased passengers’ traffic and airline use, and helped the airport’s operating company secure US$250 million by 2024,” he added.
Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Airport Company, expressed pride in the recognition of the Bahrain Airport Expansion and Development Project. He said, “This award marks the success of Bahrain’s strategic vision to develop vital infrastructure, made possible by careful planning, exceptional execution by Bahraini talent, and the strong partnership with national and regional institutions such as Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, which played a pivotal role in accelerating this project.”
Al Binfalah added that this successful model of joint Arab cooperation shows that combining national will and capabilities with regional support is a powerful way to accelerate sustainable development.
He emphasised that this honour goes beyond an urban achievement, reflecting a national success based on a clear future vision that places infrastructure development at the heart of its development priorities. It serves as an incentive to continue improving infrastructure and providing top-tier services in the aviation sector, reinforcing Bahrain’s competitiveness on the regional and international stage.
Since its ADFD-backed inauguration in 2014, Bahrain International Airport has emerged as a symbol of innovation and cultural pride. Blending Bahrain’s heritage with cutting-edge infrastructure, the airport, the airport reinforces Bahrain’s position as a global travel and trade hub, offering world-class security, efficiency and passenger services.
The development and expansion of Bahrain International Airport’s, funded by ADFD, has established it as one of the world’s most advanced and smart airports, achieving a sustainable impact across various aspects, including:
Bahrain International Airport serves as a cornerstone of of the Kingdom’s economy, driving tourism, trade, and investment while streamlining import/export operations to bolster local industries.
Bahrain Airport Company has achieved significant revenue growth in recent years, with continued growth expected. This will significantly contribute to supporting and boosting the Kingdom’s non-oil revenues, which made up 86.4% of GDP in the third quarter of 2024.
Bahrain International Airport enhances quality of life by facilitating cultural exchange and global connectivity, bridging Bahrain with the world and promoting social diversity. It creates opportunities for Bahraini youth through specialized training programmes in aviation services, equipping them with critical skills for future leadership roles.
