Abu Dhabi: 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.
According to Emirates News Agency, 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, stated that the award celebrates over five decades of UAE-Bahrain partnership, delivering 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 emphasized that this recognition reaffirms the strength of the relations between the two nations and reflects the commitment of both sides to achieving development goals.
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, highlighted the importance of Arab development efforts and encouraged investment in economic and social development projects, especially those supported by the Arab Coordination Group. He noted that the Bahrain International Airport expansion has had a significant impact on Bahrain’s economy, strengthening its strategic position in international air transport, increasing passenger traffic, and helping the airport’s operating company secure substantial financial success by 2024.
Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Airport Company, expressed pride in the recognition of the project and emphasized that the award marks the success of Bahrain’s strategic vision to develop vital infrastructure. He acknowledged the strong partnership with national and regional institutions such as ADFD, which accelerated the project.
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 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, funded by ADFD, has established it as one of the world’s most advanced and smart airports, achieving a sustainable impact across various aspects. The airport serves as a cornerstone 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, contributing to supporting and boosting the Kingdom’s non-oil revenues, which constituted a significant portion of GDP in 2024. The airport also enhances quality of life by facilitating cultural exchange and global connectivity, creating opportunities for Bahraini youth through specialized training programmes in aviation services.