Egypt and Saudi Arabia are moving forward with plans to construct a $4 billion bridge across the Red Sea, linking the two countries. The 32-kilometer-long bridge, dubbed the “Moses Bridge,” aims to boost trade and tourism between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Egypt’s Transport Minister Kamel al-Wazir stated, “We have now completed the planning for the bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia and are ready to implement it at any time, whether a bridge or a tunnel.” The bridge will connect Africa and Asia, linking Ras Alsheikh Hamid in Saudi Arabia with Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, and passing through Tiran Island.
The Moses Bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel times between the two countries, potentially to just 30 minutes by car. This will make cross-border visits far more convenient, with estimates suggesting it could quadruple Saudi tourist visits to Egypt from around 300,000 annually to over 1.2 million. The bridge will also facilitate the transportation of cargo over the Straits of Tiran sea passage, enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations.
The project has the potential to transform the region’s economy, with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud describing it as a “qualitative transformation” that will increase trade between the two continents to unprecedented levels. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 development blueprint, which focuses on economic diversification, tourism, and infrastructure growth.
However, environmental concerns surround the project. The Red Sea’s Strait of Tiran is home to vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and nesting sites for turtles and seabirds. Conservationists warn that major construction could irreversibly damage these fragile ecosystems. Saudi planners have pledged to prioritize sustainability in the project’s execution.
While the project’s timeline is still uncertain, Saudi officials estimate it could take around 8 years to complete once construction begins. The bridge’s construction will require complex engineering and careful planning to ensure both environmental and financial sustainability. Despite the challenges, the potential benefits of the Moses Bridge make it an exciting and ambitious undertaking for both Egypt and Saudi Arabia.