Bridge between Jazan, Farasan under study

The government is considering building a bridge between Jazan and Farasan Islands, a distance of about 40 km, which would make it one of the longest bridges in the world.
The bridge study was confirmed yesterday during the opening of the 10th Hareed Festival by Jazan Gov. Prince Muhammad bin Nasser. This would solve transport problems between Jazan and the group of Red Sea islands, he added. He said the Ministry of Transport has initiated planning studies with experts and advisers to build the bridge.
If approved, it will form part of a multibillion riyal development project currently under way to develop the tourism potential of the islands.
In the mean time, three ferries will be used to transport food, construction material and petroleum products between Jazan and Farasan. This is being done under orders from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
Prince Muhammad said a committee has been formed to oversee the development projects and will meet in the coming weeks to draw up a strategy to be handed over to the king for approval.
He said an airport on the island, at a cost of SR 30 billion, is nearing completion. Aside from that the Municipality of Farasan is carrying out 11 projects at a cost of SR 61 million, 12 educational projects at SR 100 million, and five water and sewage system projects costing around SR 88 million. This is in addition to other projects costing SR 374 million.
The Hareed festival, which includes a fishing contest at Hasis beach, is one of the most popular tourism events in the region. It draws thousands of visitors every year from the Kingdom, Gulf countries and Egypt. Attempts are being made to promote the event in Europe and the US.