The tunnel would run underneath the Persian Gulf and become the world’s largest. (Image: TBC)
A proposed tunnel underneath the Persian Gulf could become the world’s longest, at five times the size of the .
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed the project this week when he visited the capital, Tehran, with the proposed project set to link the two nations and increase connectivity between West Asia and the .
If completed, the underwater tunnel would be 190 kilometres long, more than three times the length of the current longest tunnel in the world, the 68-kilometre section of the Chengdu metro.
It would also dwarf the 38km built between 1988 and 1994 at a cost of £17 billion.
In the meeting between the Emir and leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei the Qatari leader expressed his determination to get work started and turn the plans into reality.
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Current proposals see the tunnel starting in the north of before stretching 118 miles to the coast near Dayyer.
It is unclear how much construction would cost, but given the ambitious nature and sheer size, the budget would likely be in the billions.
Despite the cost, there are clear economic benefits that could bring a significant return on investment for both countries should the plans come to fruition.
would gain easier access to Eurasian markets, through which it could transport its significant oil and gas exports, which are estimated to earn $200 billion from gas alone.
It would also reduce the emirate’s reliance on which it currently depends on, to connect it to different parts of the world.
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The tunnel would run from the northern Tip of Qatar to the Iranian coast. (Image: Google Maps)
Tensions between Doha and Riyadh have become ever more strained in recent years, with the Kingdom accusing of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood in 2017 and lobbying , UAE and to block all entries to the country via air, sea or land.
However, the tunnel’s construction would also benefit the Kingdom’s export capabilities, opening access to Central Asia, and and providing Qatar with a useful bargaining tool in future negotiations.
t would also allow Iran to circumnavigate sanctions that cause it economic difficulties.
It will also open Iran’s access to African, Mediterranean, and European markets.