Saudi Arabia moves forward with plan to dig canal and turn Qatar into island
There had been quite a stir some months ago when Saudi Arabia announced plans to dig a canal along Qatar’s border and turn the country into an island.
While people had initially scoffed at the news, it seems the country is moving forward with the bizarre plans, according to Bloomberg.
It is understood that five international companies that specialise in digging canals have been invited to vie for the project, with bids closing on Monday and the winner to be chosen within 90 days, Makkah newspaper reported, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter.
The victorious company will be expected to complete the project in a year’s time.
The canal, which will stretch from Salwa to Khor Al Adeed and is to be 200M wide and 15 to 20M deep, is expected to cost around $746m to make, according to the Middle East Eye.
Ships up to 33M width and 295M length will be able to navigate the canal, it has been reported.
The Saudi government’s Center for International Communication didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The government has never confirmed the plan, first reported in April.
Other than cutting Qatar from its only land border, Riyadh envisages several uses for the canal. Beach resorts are planned in Salwa, Sakak, Khor Al Adeed and Ras Abu Qamees.
Ports are to be constructed in Salwa and in Aqlat Al Zawayed, as well as marinas along both banks for private yachts and water sports.
Somewhat less appealing for visitors, however, are the planned military base and nuclear waste dumping site.
The canal will reportedly be fully within the Saudi side of the border, so Qatar will have no waterway rights to it, and is said to be paid for entirely by Saudi and Emirati private investors.
Egyptian companies with expertise in digging are thought to be enlisted for assistance.
Lets say thanks to Saudi. They are going to spend their money to make Qatar a beautiful island. For us there will be another fishing spot☺. Guys Islands are awesome.
i just wanted to comment about ashokkerala's comment; it might seem that he is saying that 'this proves that muslims stand for hate and hatred'; but i'm sure that what he means is that 'this will give more excuses and reason for non-muslim and islamophobic people to accuse muslims of hate and hatred'; there's a big difference in those two meanings so please do not attack or insult him for his comment; its a language barrier thing more than anything else and he meant well; also, QL, i have always felt you guys need to add a delete option to the site for people to delete comments they later feel they shouldn't have left; every other site in the world has that functionality and there better be a very good reason why you won't have it :-)
@zuma you are right political issues are between 4 countries but sadly most other peoples in the world look these issues religiously only.
@ ashokkerala. Mind you, Gulf crisis is not based on Religious issues but political issues and to clear your doubt both countries are strong Allies of America.
With this Non followers can tell that muslims stands for hate and hatred.
am sure this will not affect Qatar, rather makes it more stronger.
So sad that this is happening between these countries (Qatar and Saudi).
We are in danger of destroying ourselves by our greed and stupidity. We cannot remain looking inwards at ourselves on a small and increasingly polluted and overcrowded planet. Stephen Hawking
lo! the end of times has begun...