Egypt and Saudi Arabia Revive $4 Billion Moses Bridge Project

Plans to construct a significant bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia are back on the table, with a projected cost of $4 billion. The bridge, known informally as the Moses Bridge, aims to establish a crucial land connection between Asia and Africa. This ambitious project, first suggested in the 1980s, was revived during a visit by Saudi King Salman to Egypt in 2016.

The proposed bridge would span approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) across the Red Sea, connecting the popular Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh to Saudi Arabia’s mainland at Ras Al-Sheikh Hamid. This crossing would not only enhance trade routes but also symbolize a new chapter in regional connectivity, similar to the undersea communication cables critical to global digital infrastructure.

Despite the project’s potential benefits, progress has been slow. After a period of silence following King Salman’s announcement, an Egyptian official confirmed in 2025 that plans for construction were still in development. The financing for the bridge is expected to come primarily from Saudi Arabia, underscoring the nation’s commitment to the project.

While the bridge would be one of the longest in the world, it would not rank among the absolute longest bridges globally. Nonetheless, its significance lies in creating a usable land route between Africa and Asia. Currently, the only physical connection is through the borders of Egypt, Israel, and Palestine, with limited trade facilitated by the open Taba border crossing. The Moses Bridge aims to rectify the existing limitations, providing Egypt and Saudi Arabia with a robust trade link and enabling the rest of Africa to access Asia more conveniently.

The strategic location of the bridge near Sharm El-Sheikh offers additional importance. Just off the coast lies Tiran Island, which the bridge would pass through before reaching Saudi Arabia. Notably, this area is also part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious NEOM project, a $500 billion urban development initiative. The bridge could significantly enhance NEOM’s prospects by establishing direct access from Africa.

Despite the excitement surrounding the revival of the Moses Bridge, obstacles remain. As of early 2026, no concrete plans have been detailed by either government, apart from the announcement that the project is back on track. Additionally, Israel has previously expressed concerns about the bridge, which could pose further geopolitical challenges.

In summary, while the Moses Bridge project holds the potential to transform trade and connectivity between Africa and Asia, the path forward remains uncertain. The next steps will likely depend on overcoming both financial and political hurdles to bring this vision to fruition.