- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Saudi Arabia Plans to Cut Qatar Off ... Literally Amid Diplomatic Standoff

© REUTERS / Stringer/File PhotoBuildings are seen from across the water in Doha, Qatar June 5, 2017
Buildings are seen from across the water in Doha, Qatar June 5, 2017 - Sputnik International
Subscribe
The Saudi investment union plans to dig a 60-kilometer-long maritime channel on the border with Qatar, turning it into an island, and implement a tourism project in the area, the Saudi newspaper Sabq reports.

The channel will make the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia continuous, which will simplify trade and tourism, "refresh the region".

It is noted that construction is not hindered by any natural and social features of the territory. There are no mountain chains, no settlements and villages or agricultural lands.

READ MORE: Qatar Continues Spending Spree to Bolster Military Against Saudi-Led Bloc

According to reports, five hotels and holiday resorts, as well as two new harbors, have also been planned along new channel.

Solar power station - Sputnik International
Oil About-Face? Saudi Arabia to Build World's Largest Solar Power Plant
The width of the canal will be 200 meters, the depth 15-20 meters. It can take all types of cargo and passenger ships. The initial cost of the project is estimated at about $750 million. The publication emphasizes that the channel will legally belong exclusively to Saudi Arabia.

The move comes amid the continuing dispute between Qatar and other countries in the region. Earlier, a group of Gulf States led by Riyadh has severed diplomatic, trade and transportation links with Qatar.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала