The company wants to build the first bridge over the Red Sea

Dubai - The Dubai company Middle East Development plans to build the first bridge across the Red Sea that would connect Yemen and Djibouti. The total costs of the project, which will include the bridge as well as the development of suburban areas in both countries, are estimated at 200 billion dollars (3.2 trillion CZK). Construction is set to begin next year.
    The Middle East Development company is expected to invest at least ten billion dollars into the entire project. The remaining funds will be sought from other investors and financial institutions, said the company's vice president for technical matters, Isám Halabí, to journalists today. Middle East Development is controlled by Saudi businessman Tárik Muhammad bin Ládin, the half-brother of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
    The bridge is to be 28.5 kilometers long. In addition to cars, trains will also operate on it, allowing for the transportation of natural gas and water. Its construction is expected to take seven to 15 years and will require 14 billion dollars. Urban projects, one in Yemen and one in Djibouti, include the construction of residential and commercial areas, entertainment centers, and a hospital.
    According to Halabí, the project has already attracted interest from several companies, including American Bechtel and Hewlett-Packard, Swedish Ericsson, and French Veolia Environnement.
    The bin Laden family originates from Yemen, which is considered one of the poorest countries outside of Africa. However, most local tribes do not respect the central government, and armed clashes between the government and rebels often occur, Reuters reported.