By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt & RAS ALSHEIKH HAMID, Saudi Arabia – A monumental infrastructure project, informally dubbed the “Moses Bridge,” is set to begin construction across the Red Sea, connecting Africa and Asia. Both Saudi Arabia and Egypt have given their approval for the $4 billion structure, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity.

The ambitious project, which has been under discussion for decades and was revived by Saudi King Salman in 2016, will span approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles). It is designed to link Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula with Ras Alsheikh Hamid on the Saudi Arabian coast, passing through Tiran Island.

Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Kamel al-Wazir, confirmed this week that all detailed planning for the bridge has been finalized, and both nations are “fully prepared to begin implementation.” While an official groundbreaking date has not yet been announced, the project is estimated to take up to eight years to complete. The Saudi government is expected to fully finance the multi-billion-dollar endeavor.

The “Moses Bridge” is envisioned as a transformative artery for trade, tourism, and religious travel. Officials anticipate a significant reduction in travel time between the two countries, allowing motorists to cross in as little as 30 minutes. This new overland route is particularly vital for Muslim pilgrims traveling to Mecca, offering an alternative to existing air and sea routes and potentially accommodating over a million travelers annually.

The project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify its economy, and will complement its futuristic NEOM development located near the Red Sea. For Egypt, it reinforces its strategic role as a gateway between the two continents and boosts its national infrastructure.

Despite the economic and strategic benefits, the project has drawn scrutiny from environmentalists concerned about potential impacts on the Red Sea’s delicate marine ecosystems, particularly around the coral reefs of the Strait of Tiran. Saudi authorities have pledged to implement sustainable construction practices to mitigate environmental harm.