The Middle East Regional Monitoring Agency model hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain has been commended by the annual meeting of the Global Monitoring Agencies (GMA). The GMA encouraged other regional agencies to adopt Bahrain’s model which is considered unique due to the inclusion of important technical and financial aspects.

The Middle East Regional Monitoring Agency (MIDRMA) is managed by Bahrainis who are specialized in Air Traffic Control and Computer Science, having undergone intensive training by the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL) to conduct safety analysis for the Middle East Region and they are also certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of the United States of America to conduct height monitoring for aircrafts registered in the region.

The State Members of the Agency hold regular Board meetings under the chairmanship of the Ministry of Transportation’s Civil Aviation Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain to discuss all technical and financial matters and examine all deficiencies and incidents that may occur by pilots resulting from poor coordination between Air Traffic Control Units. Any problems or deficiencies that are identified are discussed in order to find solutions and ensure that safety and efficiency of air traffic is maintained at all times in accordance with international standards.

The Kingdom of Bahrain was selected in 2005 by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and Middle East countries (Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Yemen, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon) to be the regional headquarters to monitor the implementation of the Reduced Vertical Separation Minima between aircraft operating within the Middle East Region. The selection of Bahrain was due to its strong position, experience and excellent reputation in regulating Air Traffic in the region.

In 2010, the Board Members of MIDRMA approved the membership of Iraq and the team in Bahrain provided all technical support and assistance for the successful completion of the safety requirements for the implementation of the Reduced Vertical separation between aircraft in the airspace of Iraq.