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Opened in 1986, this remarkable 15.5 miles (25km) feat of engineering links Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and is one the most expensive bridges ever built. The causeway traverses Umm Nasan Island (an area rich in wildlife), linking Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.
The King Fahad Causeway is the second longest causeway in the world, consisting of two lanes in either direction. The causeway was developed realizing the dream of linking Bahrain with Saudi Arabia, where Bahrain is being the only Gulf country without a land border to Saudi Arabia.
There have been huge economic and social benefits achieved by this magnificent wonder of modern engineering and structure by both the countries and throughout the Gulf States. Being one of the most expensive projects in the world, the cost of building the causeway was of BHD 212 million.
Statistics show that the Causeway, and the access it offers, has encouraged commercial prosperity in many different areas, from tourism to heavy industry. It has also proven to be one of the major reasons behind the phenomenal growth in tourism in Bahrain with over 90% of visitors to Bahrain using the Causeway as the preferred choice to enter the Kingdom whether for business or for tourism purpose.
The Causeway can only be crossed by big vehicles, and motorcycles/ bicycles/ pedestrians are not permitted. The cost per vehicle is BD 2.000 with higher charges for buses and trucks. There is also a service facility area, including an elevated restaurant, which you can visit and bedazzled by the spectacular views across the seas of both the countries.
By: Lamiya Sami
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2008
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