Bahrain has signed contracts for the fourth phase of the Busaiteen Bridge Project, which is being financed by Saudi Arabia through a grant of more than SAR937 million ($250 million) covering all phases of the development.

The project will link Muharraq Island to the capital Manama through a 8-km-long northern corridor, thus increasing the capacity and efficiency of Bahrain's road network.

The signing ceremony was attended by Bahrain's Deputy Prme Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, Bahrain's Works Minister Ebrahim bin Hassan Al Hawaj and Saudi Deputy Ambassador to Bahrain Abdullah bin Mseer bin Tuwalah.

Al Marshad said the project reflected the longstanding development partnership between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which spans nearly five decades.

He pointed out that the fourth phase would help meet the requirements of the kingdom's social and economic growth.

Bahrain's Works Mminister said the contracts underscored the close ties between the two countries and the SFD's role in supporting strategic infrastructure projects in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia, through the SFD, has contributed more than SAR10.9 billion ($2.85 billion) to 34 development projects and programmes in Bahrain over nearly five decades.

The funding, provided through grants and soft development loans, has supported sectors including energy, transport and social infrastructure.