Egypt and Saudi Arabia are moving forward with plans to construct a $4 billion bridge across the Red Sea, aiming to strengthen economic cooperation and enhance intercontinental connectivity between Africa and Asia.
The massive infrastructure initiative, known as the “Moses Bridge,” will stretch approximately 32 kilometres, linking Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt with Ras Alsheikh Hamid in Saudi Arabia via Tiran Island. This long-anticipated project marks a significant development in the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Kamel al-Wazir, confirmed that the planning phase has been completed and the project is now ready for execution.
“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,” he said.
Al-Wazir explained that the Moses Bridge is designed to function as a strategic passageway between the two continents, facilitating both passenger travel and trade.
“With travel time between the two countries expected to drop to as little as 30 minutes by car, the project is poised to revolutionise mobility in the region,” he stated.
The bridge is expected to drive significant growth in tourism and commerce.
“One of the most anticipated outcomes is the expected surge in tourism as he predict that the number of Saudi tourists visiting Egypt could increase fourfold from an average of 300,000 annually to more than 1.2 million.
“The easier access to Egypt’s Red Sea coast is also likely to benefit local economies, especially in the Sinai Peninsula, which has long been a magnet for international visitors.
“On the trade front, the bridge is projected to become a vital conduit for cargo, especially over the strategically significant Straits of Tiran,” al-Wazir added.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud expressed strong support for the initiative, describing it as a major step toward regional economic integration.
“The Moses Bridge is firmly aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the kingdom’s long-term economic diversification plan aimed at reducing its reliance on oil revenues.
“Infrastructure development, tourism promotion, and cross-border investments are key pillars of the vision, and the bridge fits squarely within these objectives,” said King Salman.
For Egypt, the bridge aligns with broader national goals to modernize transportation infrastructure and reinforce its geopolitical role as a key link between Africa, Asia, and Europe.
However, the project has raised environmental concerns. Conservation groups caution that construction could harm the Red Sea’s fragile ecosystems, particularly in the Strait of Tiran, which is home to vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and nesting areas for endangered species.
Environmental advocates are urging both governments to conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments. In response, Saudi planners have pledged to integrate eco-friendly engineering practices and prioritize environmental stewardship during all phases of development.
Although an official construction timeline has not been announced, Saudi authorities estimate the bridge could take up to eight years to complete.
“Given the environmental sensitivities and the complex marine terrain, the engineering challenges are expected to be formidable,” King Salman stated.
Advanced design techniques will be required to ensure seismic resilience, marine protection, and long-term durability in the region’s challenging conditions.
Despite the hurdles, both governments remain committed to the project. With a shared vision for economic growth and cross-border collaboration, the Moses Bridge is being hailed as more than a transportation route—it’s a strategic venture expected to reshape regional trade, tourism, and diplomacy in the Middle East.
Analysts note that, upon completion, the Moses Bridge would be among the world’s longest sea-crossing bridges, symbolizing modern Arab cooperation and ambitious 21st-century development.