Gift of islands could spur tourism with Egypt-Saudi bridge
Photo: SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT - NOVEMBER 2, 2014: Egyptian boats in Red Sea gulf near Tiran island / Mgko_travel / Shutterstock.com
The recent gift by Egypt to Saudi Arabia of two strategic islands in the Red Sea at the entrance of the Gulf of Aqaba, Tiran and Sanafir, could be a boon for the ailing economies of both countries.
While much has been made of the islands’ military importance due to their proximity to shipping lanes used by Jordan and Israel, they are also a vital link between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Tiran is pegged to anchor a proposed bridge between the two and there are also proposals for a possible railroad linking the two countries.
The idea of a bridge, the King Salman Bridge, between Saudi Arabia and Egypt has been kicked around for decades, but Egypt's "gift" of the islands in April brings it closer to reality—although the transfer has spurred protests and a legal challenge in Egypt. Neither country has announced specifics or a construction timeline.
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Rob L. Wagner