Saudi Arabia is planning to turn rival Qatar into an island
Saudi Arabia appears to be further distancing itself from Qatar, this time literally.
The country is moving forward with plans to dig a canal along its 38-mile (61 kilometer) border with Qatar, which would turn its Gulf rival into an island, local media has reported.
Reports first published by Makkah Newspaper indicate five international companies have been invited to bid for the project, called the "Salwa Channel," with a deadline set for Monday. Sources told Makkah that Saudi authorities will announce the winner of the contract deal within 90 days, and hope to complete the canal by the end of the year.
Previous reports, including one in state-linked news site Sabq, said the canal was still awaiting government approval, but was expected to be 650 feet (200 meters) wide and 50-65 feet (15-20 meters) deep. Initial estimates put the cost of the project at around $745 million (2.8 billion Saudi riyals).
Read more: https://www.newstimes.com/technology/businessinsider/article/Saudi-Arabia-is-planning-to-turn-rival-Qatar-into-13016320.php
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