Logistics Coordinator Salary in Bahrain: Complete Compensation Guide 2026

Logistics Coordinator Compensation in Bahrain

Bahrain occupies a unique niche in the GCC logistics landscape as a compact, cost-effective distribution gateway with direct road connectivity to Saudi Arabia—the region’s largest consumer market. For Logistics Coordinators, Bahrain offers an appealing combination of competitive salaries relative to living costs, a business-friendly regulatory environment, and exposure to cross-border distribution operations that span the entire Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and beyond. The kingdom’s smaller size means fewer total positions compared to the UAE or Saudi Arabia, but those positions tend to be multifaceted, offering coordinators broader responsibility and faster career development.

Bahrain’s logistics infrastructure centers around Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP), the country’s primary commercial gateway handling over 400,000 TEUs annually; Bahrain International Airport, which is undergoing significant expansion; and the Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ), a purpose-built logistics and distribution hub adjacent to the port. The King Fahd Causeway, connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, is the critical artery that transforms Bahrain from an island nation into a distribution platform serving millions of Saudi consumers within a two-hour drive. This geographic advantage shapes the nature of logistics coordination work in Bahrain and directly influences the compensation packages available.

Salary Overview by Experience Level

Logistics Coordinator salaries in Bahrain are denominated in Bahraini Dinar (BHD), which is pegged to the US dollar at approximately BHD 1 = USD 2.65. The following ranges represent monthly base salaries reflecting 2026 market conditions across Manama, Hidd, Salman Industrial City, and the Bahrain Logistics Zone.

Entry-Level (0–2 years): BHD 280–450 per month (approximately USD 740–1,190). Bahrain’s entry-level logistics salaries are the most accessible in the GCC, making the kingdom an excellent starting point for logistics careers. Fresh graduates with logistics or business degrees start at BHD 280–350, while those with CILT Level 2 certification, relevant internships, or Gulf logistics experience can command BHD 380–450. Bahraini nationals benefit from Tamkeen (Bahrain’s labor fund) wage subsidies that incentivize employers to offer competitive starting packages.

Mid-Level (3–7 years): BHD 450–750 per month (approximately USD 1,190–1,990). Mid-level coordinators in Bahrain manage diverse logistics operations including Causeway-dependent distribution to Saudi Arabia, air freight coordination through BIA, and warehouse operations at BLZ and Salman Industrial City. The range reflects differences between smaller Bahraini freight brokers and trading firms (BHD 450–550) and larger employers like APM Terminals Bahrain, Gulf Air Cargo, logistics firms within BLZ, and distribution operations serving the Saudi market (BHD 600–750). Coordinators managing cross-border operations via the King Fahd Causeway earn premiums due to the bilateral customs knowledge required.

Senior Level (8–12 years): BHD 750–1,200 per month (approximately USD 1,990–3,180). Senior Logistics Coordinators in Bahrain typically oversee end-to-end operations for their employers, managing small teams, key client accounts, and operational budgets. At APM Terminals, ALBA (Aluminium Bahrain), and major distribution companies, senior coordinators earn BHD 850–1,200. The relatively flat organizational structures common in Bahrain mean that senior coordinators often have direct access to managing directors and play a more strategic role than their counterparts at larger GCC operations.

Executive Level (12+ years): BHD 1,200–1,900 per month (approximately USD 3,180–5,035). Executive logistics roles in Bahrain encompass logistics management, distribution direction, and cross-border operations leadership. These positions are concentrated at ALBA, APM Terminals, major distribution companies serving the Saudi market, and regional logistics operations that use Bahrain as their GCC headquarters due to favorable business costs.

Bahrain as a Distribution Gateway to Saudi Arabia

The most distinctive feature of Bahrain’s logistics market is its role as a distribution platform for Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The King Fahd Causeway carries approximately 60,000 vehicles daily, including commercial trucks transporting goods between the two countries. For Logistics Coordinators, this creates unique cross-border coordination challenges and opportunities that are not found in other GCC countries.

Coordinators managing Causeway-dependent distribution operations must understand bilateral customs procedures, Saudi import regulations, vehicle weight and dimension restrictions on the Causeway, and the scheduling requirements to avoid peak traffic hours. The ability to coordinate seamless cross-border movement—ensuring that shipments clear Bahraini export and Saudi import formalities within predictable timeframes—is a specialized skill that commands salary premiums of BHD 50–150 per month above standard logistics coordination rates.

Several multinational companies have established regional distribution centers in Bahrain specifically to serve the Saudi Eastern Province market while benefiting from Bahrain’s lower operational costs, more flexible labor regulations, and proximity to the Saudi demand center. Coordinators at these operations gain valuable experience in cross-border supply chain management that enhances their marketability across the GCC.

Bahrain Logistics Zone: The Hub Within the Hub

The Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ), located adjacent to Khalifa Bin Salman Port, is a purpose-built logistics facility designed to attract regional and international logistics operators. BLZ offers ready-built warehouses, temperature-controlled facilities, bonded storage, and direct port connectivity. For Logistics Coordinators, BLZ employment provides exposure to modern logistics infrastructure and standardized operational processes.

Companies operating within BLZ include regional distributors, international freight forwarders with GCC operations, e-commerce fulfillment providers, and cold chain operators managing pharmaceutical and food distribution. Coordinators at BLZ-based operations benefit from the zone’s integrated customs processing, which simplifies clearance procedures and allows faster goods movement compared to mainland customs processing at other GCC ports.

Key Industry Sectors in Bahrain Logistics

Aluminium and Industrial Logistics: ALBA (Aluminium Bahrain), one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters, is a major employer of logistics professionals. Coordinators at ALBA and its downstream industries manage the movement of raw materials (alumina, petroleum coke, caustic soda) and finished aluminium products including coils, billets, slabs, and value-added products. ALBA logistics involves heavy-lift cargo, hazardous materials handling, and export coordination to global markets. These specialized roles command premiums of BHD 75–200 above general logistics rates.

Aviation Logistics: Gulf Air Cargo, the national carrier’s cargo division, and ground handling companies at Bahrain International Airport employ Logistics Coordinators managing air freight operations. The airport expansion project is increasing cargo capacity, creating new roles in warehouse management, special cargo handling (including pharmaceuticals and perishables), and freight forwarding coordination. IATA-certified coordinators with air cargo experience are particularly valued in this growing sector.

Port and Maritime Logistics: APM Terminals Bahrain operates Khalifa Bin Salman Port, handling container operations, general cargo, and ro-ro services. Coordinators at APM Terminals gain port operations experience within a global terminal operator framework, with access to standardized processes, global training programs, and potential international transfer opportunities. Additional maritime employers include ship supply companies, bunker fuel providers, and marine services firms serving the Gulf’s busy shipping lanes.

FMCG and Food Distribution: Bahrain’s compact geography and Causeway connectivity make it an efficient distribution base for food and consumer goods. Companies like BMMI (one of Bahrain’s oldest trading houses), Cold Store Company, and various regional distributors employ coordinators managing temperature-controlled distribution, retail replenishment logistics, and cross-border delivery to Saudi retail outlets. These roles are high-volume and fast-paced, requiring coordinators who can manage multiple deliveries daily with tight timeframes.

Financial and Services Sector Logistics: Bahrain’s position as the GCC’s financial hub means that several international companies have established shared services centers and regional headquarters in the kingdom. While not traditional logistics operations, these organizations employ coordinators managing office logistics, document distribution across GCC offices, and facility management supply chains. These roles offer regular hours and corporate-style benefits that may appeal to coordinators seeking work-life balance.

Technology and System Requirements

Bahrain Customs Electronic System (Bayan): Bahrain’s customs authority uses the Bayan electronic customs clearance system for all import and export declarations. Proficiency in Bayan is essential for mid-level and senior logistics coordinators and represents a baseline competency requirement in most job postings. Understanding duty rate schedules, exemption categories, and temporary import procedures within Bayan increases a coordinator’s value to employers.

WMS Platforms: BLZ-based operations and major distributors deploy warehouse management systems including SAP Extended Warehouse Management, Oracle WMS Cloud, and locally developed platforms. Coordinators with WMS experience reduce employer training timelines and justify higher starting offers. ALBA uses SAP across its logistics operations, making SAP familiarity particularly valuable for industrial logistics roles.

Cross-Border Documentation Systems: Coordinators managing Saudi Arabia distribution must navigate both Bahraini and Saudi customs platforms. Understanding the documentation flow for Causeway shipments—including export declarations, Saudi import clearances, and dual-country VAT documentation—is a specialized skill that employers specifically seek.

Fleet and Route Management: Bahrain’s compact geography means that domestic deliveries are measured in minutes rather than hours, but cross-Causeway operations require careful route planning to account for traffic, customs delays, and Saudi delivery time windows. Coordinators proficient in fleet management platforms and route optimization tools deliver measurable efficiency gains.

Certifications That Enhance Market Value

CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport): Actively promoted in Bahrain through local professional networks and employer-sponsored programs. CILT certification validates logistics competence and supports salary negotiation at all career stages. Tamkeen (Bahrain’s labor fund) sometimes subsidizes certification costs for Bahraini nationals, further increasing the credential’s accessibility.

CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional): Valued by employers seeking coordinators with broader supply chain understanding. The ASCM body of knowledge supports career advancement from logistics coordination into supply chain management and planning roles.

IATA DGR and Cargo Certifications: Essential for coordinators at Gulf Air Cargo and BIA-based freight operations. Dangerous goods handling certification is particularly important given the frequency of petroleum, chemical, and industrial cargo shipments through Bahrain.

HACCP and Cold Chain Certifications: For coordinators in food and pharmaceutical distribution, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification and cold chain management credentials demonstrate compliance knowledge that is increasingly required by regulators and clients.

Benefits Structure in Bahrain

Bahrain’s benefits packages are competitive within the GCC, and the kingdom’s lower cost of living means that benefits represent a significant portion of real compensation value.

Housing Allowance: Typically 25–35% of base salary, ranging from BHD 80–300 per month. Bahrain’s rental market is the most affordable in the GCC, with one-bedroom apartments in areas like Juffair, Adliya, Gudaibiya, and Hidd available at BHD 150–250 per month. This means housing allowances often cover a significant portion of actual rent, unlike in Dubai or Doha where allowances may fall short of market rents.

Transport Allowance: BHD 40–120 per month. Bahrain’s compact size means that most logistics facilities are within a 30-minute drive of residential areas. Fuel is inexpensive, and many coordinators use personal vehicles with employer-provided fuel allowances.

Medical Insurance: Mandatory under Bahrain’s national health insurance scheme. Employers provide coverage through approved insurance providers, with quality generally adequate for routine medical needs. Larger employers like ALBA and APM Terminals offer enhanced coverage that includes specialist care and regional hospital networks.

Annual Leave and Flights: Bahrain labor law mandates 30 days of annual leave after one year of service. Employers provide annual return flights for employees, with some extending this benefit to dependents. The generous leave combined with Bahrain’s central Gulf location makes travel convenient for coordinators maintaining connections with their home countries.

Social Insurance (SIO): Bahrain operates a social insurance system with employer contributions of 12% and employee contributions of 7% of basic salary for expatriates. For Bahraini nationals, the employer contribution is 12% and the employee contribution is 8%, with additional pension benefits. End-of-service benefits for expatriates are calculated based on the social insurance contributions, providing a form of forced savings similar to other GCC countries.

Top Employers for Logistics Coordinators in Bahrain

• APM Terminals Bahrain: Part of the global Maersk Group, APM Terminals operates Khalifa Bin Salman Port. Coordinators gain port operations experience within a world-class terminal operator framework. Offers internationally benchmarked compensation, global training programs, and cross-border career advancement opportunities.
• Gulf Air Cargo: The national airline’s cargo division manages freight operations at Bahrain International Airport. Coordinators handle air cargo coordination, special shipment handling, and warehouse operations. Aviation industry benefits including travel perks make this an attractive employer.
• Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ) operators: Multiple logistics companies within BLZ offer coordinator roles spanning warehousing, distribution, customs brokerage, and cross-border operations. BLZ employment provides modern facilities and integrated operational environments.
• ALBA (Aluminium Bahrain): One of the world’s largest aluminium smelters, employing logistics coordinators for industrial supply chain operations. Offers premium industrial sector compensation with comprehensive benefits including housing and transport.
• BMMI: One of Bahrain’s oldest and most diversified trading companies, operating distribution, retail, and contracting businesses. Coordinators manage diverse supply chains across food, beverage, and consumer goods categories.

Tamkeen and Workforce Development

Tamkeen, Bahrain’s labor fund, plays an active role in supporting logistics workforce development. The organization provides wage subsidies for Bahraini nationals entering the logistics sector, sponsors professional certification programs, and funds training initiatives at logistics companies. For employers, Tamkeen support reduces the cost of hiring and developing local talent, which in turn supports competitive compensation packages.

For expatriate Logistics Coordinators, Bahrain remains one of the most accessible GCC markets. The kingdom’s flexible labor regulations, straightforward visa processes (typically two to three weeks), and business-friendly environment make it relatively easy to secure employment and begin working. The Flexi Permit system also allows certain workers to be self-sponsored, providing an alternative path for experienced coordinators exploring the Bahraini market.

Salary Negotiation Strategies for the Bahrain Market

• Emphasize cross-border logistics experience. Bahrain’s value proposition as a distribution gateway to Saudi Arabia means that coordinators with experience managing cross-border shipments, dual-country customs procedures, and Causeway logistics bring immediate operational value.
• Highlight the savings advantage. When comparing offers across GCC countries, calculate your projected savings rate in Bahrain. The lower cost of living often means that a BHD 650 offer in Bahrain delivers equivalent savings to a higher nominal salary in Dubai where rent consumes a larger share of income.
• Negotiate comprehensive benefits. Bahrain’s benefits including 30 days annual leave, social insurance contributions, and affordable housing make the total package more competitive than base salary alone suggests. Negotiate for enhanced benefits where base salary flexibility is limited.
• Leverage ALBA or port experience. Industrial logistics experience at ALBA or port operations experience at APM Terminals positions you as a specialized candidate whose skills command premiums in the Bahrain market.
• Consider career development trajectory. Bahrain’s flatter organizational structures mean faster access to management responsibilities. A coordinator who gains supervisory experience in Bahrain may advance more quickly than in a more hierarchical Dubai or Riyadh operation.

Cost of Living and Savings Potential

Bahrain offers the most favorable cost-of-living-to-salary ratio for Logistics Coordinators in the GCC. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment near logistics facilities ranges from BHD 150–250 per month, significantly below equivalent areas in Dubai, Doha, or Riyadh. Groceries are affordable, with Lulu Hypermarket, Carrefour, and local markets offering competitive pricing. Utilities are subsidized, with monthly electricity and water bills typically BHD 15–30. Dining and entertainment costs are moderate, with Bahrain offering a social scene that rivals more expensive GCC cities.

A mid-level Logistics Coordinator earning a total package of BHD 700 per month (base plus housing) in Bahrain can realistically save 30–45% of income with moderate lifestyle choices. For logistics professionals who prioritize savings efficiency—building maximum financial reserves on available income—Bahrain consistently outperforms more headline-grabbing GCC markets. The combination of zero income tax, affordable living, generous leave, and a pleasant island lifestyle creates a compelling proposition for coordinators who evaluate career decisions holistically rather than purely on base salary comparisons.

Bahrain Employer Compensation Database

Access verified salary data for 20+ Bahrain logistics employers including APM Terminals, Gulf Air Cargo, ALBA, BMMI, BLZ-based operators, and major distributors. Includes base salary, allowance breakdowns, social insurance implications, and Tamkeen subsidy information updated quarterly.

Cross-Border Logistics Specialist Guide

Get detailed guidance on building a career specializing in Bahrain-Saudi cross-border logistics, including Causeway operations expertise, bilateral customs procedures, and negotiation strategies for roles that leverage Bahrain’s unique distribution gateway positioning.