Bahrain International Becomes First GCC Airport to Successfully Complete DHL’s and UNDP’s GARD Disaster Preparedness Program in GCC

• The “Get Airports Ready for Disaster” (GARD) workshop, organized by DHL and UNDP under the directives of Bahrain’s Civil Defence Council, has strengthened Bahrain International Airport’s resilience and disaster response capabilities.
• More than 40 airport and emergency specialists were trained during the four-day workshop, covering operational capacity, ground services, customs, and humanitarian logistics readiness.

Bahrain International Airport is the first in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to successfully complete the Get Airports Ready for Disaster (GARD) program, organized by DHL and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The workshop, held under the directives of His Excellency the Minister of Interior, Chairman of the Civil Defence Council, took place from 23 to 26 November 2025. During the four-day workshop, more than 40 airport and emergency specialists participated, representing operational and management entities within the airport, including air traffic control, ground operations, air cargo, customs and immigration, security, and emergency management.

Since 2009, the GARD program has been implemented in more than 60 airports across 29 countries, making it one of the world’s most specialized programs in strengthening airport readiness as humanitarian logistics hubs capable of responding during moments of crisis. With the completion of the program’s cycle at Bahrain International Airport, the Kingdom becomes the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council to fully implement the program, joining the network of airports internationally accredited under the model.

Participants worked to assess the capacity of Bahrain International Airport to receive relief flights, accommodate humanitarian teams, and manage aid flows through:

• Passenger terminal operational capacity
• Ground services and warehouse handling capability
• Customs procedures for humanitarian cargo
• Supply chain capacity for internal distribution and cross-transit operations

As a result, a comprehensive GARD Action Plan was developed, including detailed recommendations to enhance infrastructure, strengthen operational procedures, and activate coordination between governmental and private entities, ensuring rapid response and effective intervention during crises.

This milestone not only strengthens the Kingdom’s national disaster response capabilities but also reinforces Bahrain’s position as a logistics hub capable of supporting humanitarian efforts regionally and internationally when circumstances require it.

“Bahrain International Airport is a central component in DHL’s global aviation network, serving as a major transit hub for intercontinental and regional operations. Our experience in handling cargo and humanitarian logistics gives us a unique understanding of the challenges airports face during national emergencies. We congratulate Bahrain Airport Company on successfully completing the GARD workshop and for its commitment to strengthening resilience and response readiness,” said Majed Taha, Country General Manager of DHL Express Bahrain.

The implementation of the program came through a partnership between the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, Bahrain Airport Company, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and DHL Group, aligning with the leadership’s direction to build a robust crisis management ecosystem rooted in coordination, efficiency, and proactive planning.

Major General Tariq bin Hassan Al Hassan, Chief of Public Security and Chairman of the National Committee for Civil Emergency Management, emphasized the importance of proactive preparedness, stating: “Airports serve as lifelines during crises. The GARD workshop embodies Bahrain’s commitment to building an effective response system. The cooperation between government entities, UNDP, and DHL elevates Bahrain Airport to world-class levels of readiness.”

For his part, Hussein Al-Shaeil, Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, highlighted the airport’s engagement in GARD: “It reinforces our strategic vision to ensure the continuity of logistics services and the safety of operations during emergencies. We will continue supporting the implementation of the action plan and maintaining coordination with partners.”

Ahmed Mohammed Janahi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Airport Company, noted the importance of institutional partnerships: “The airport’s resilience and its ability to manage humanitarian missions under severe operational conditions and build integrated preparedness systems is highly important and among our top priorities.”

Likewise, Ms. Asmaa Shalabi, UNDP Resident Representative in Bahrain, stated: “The GARD program represents an effective public-private partnership, combining global expertise and local leadership. Bahrain’s model of implementation is innovative and forms a regional benchmark to be followed.”

Toward a stronger and more proactive future

The conclusion of the GARD workshop does not represent an endpoint, but rather the beginning of a sustained path of development and preparedness. The plan that has been developed is not merely an advisory document, but a national roadmap that translates the directives of the leadership and responds to modern disaster management requirements, ensuring that Bahrain – during every crisis –stands firm, organized, and capable of protecting lives and supporting communities.

Through GoHelp, the DHL Group collaborates with various humanitarian organizations to improve emergency response capabilities and build resilience in vulnerable regions. The GARDworkshop, a partnership of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and DHL operates on a pro-bono basis and addresses the need for enhanced preparedness and response capacity of airports in disaster situations.