Island of Bahrain's connection to Saudi Arabia | thelearningpace |

Island of Bahrain's connection to Saudi Arabia

Bahrain, a small island nation located in the Persian Gulf, has a close connection to its neighbor, Saudi Arabia. The two countries share a long history of political and economic ties, and their relationship has grown even stronger in recent years.

One of the most visible symbols of the connection between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia is the King Fahd Causeway, a 25-kilometer (16-mile) bridge that connects the two countries. The causeway was completed in 1986 and has played a vital role in facilitating trade and travel between the two nations. It has also become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at the engineering marvel of the bridge.

Beyond the causeway, the two nations have close political ties as well. Both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional organization that promotes cooperation among the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. The GCC was founded in 1981 with the aim of fostering economic and political cooperation among its member states, and Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been instrumental in shaping the organization's policies and initiatives.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has also provided political and economic support to Bahrain, particularly in the wake of the 2011 Arab Spring protests. Bahrain was one of the countries that were hit hard by the protests, and Saudi Arabia was among the first countries to offer assistance. The Saudi government sent troops to Bahrain to help restore order and provided financial aid to help stabilize the country's economy.

This support from Saudi Arabia has been crucial in helping Bahrain to recover from the Arab Spring, and it has also strengthened the relationship between the two nations. However, it's important to note that Bahrain's government and Saudi Arabia's government have been criticized for their human rights record and suppression of political opposition.

Economically, the two countries are also closely connected. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have a free trade agreement in place, which has helped to boost trade between the two nations. Additionally, many Saudi businesses have operations in Bahrain, and Bahraini companies often rely on the Saudi market for exports. This economic interdependence has helped to create jobs and drive economic growth in both countries.

Another area where Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have a close connection is in the field of oil and gas. Bahrain has limited reserves of oil, but it is home to a major refinery that processes oil from Saudi Arabia. This refinery is a significant source of revenue for Bahrain and helps to provide jobs for thousands of Bahraini citizens. Additionally, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have collaborated on a number of energy-related projects, including the construction of a pipeline to transport oil between the two countries.

In conclusion, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have a close and complex connection. From the physical link through the King Fahd Causeway to the political, economic, and energy ties, the two countries have a long history of collaboration and mutual support. While there have been criticisms of human rights issues and political suppression in both countries, their relationship continues to be strong and mutually beneficial.