King Fahad Causeway - Eastern Province

King Fahd Causeway (Jisr al-Malik Fahd) is a series of bridges that are 15 miles long and connect Saudi Arabia and Bahrain across the Persian Gulf. The idea to build this bridge was conceived during the 1950s to improve links along with social and cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Construction of the bridge was completed in 1986.

Structure and Landscape

The five bridges of this causeway rest on more than 500 concrete pylons. The causeway looks futuristic with its seven embankments in the shallow water of the Gulf. One of these embankments is called Middle Island or Passport Island, which is also the largest of them all. It has been converted into an artificial island with customs and immigration facilities, a mosque, gardens, and restaurants. This island also has a border station that has a McDonald’s outlet on each side. 

Traveling through the Causeway

Due to COVID-19, the bridge was closed down temporarily in March 2020 for public safety. However, it was reopened on 17th May 2021; people have to follow strict protocols in order to travel on this bridge.

Driving through the causeway is a great way to travel to Bahrain or Saudi Arabia from either one of the countries, especially during sunset and sunrise. The bridge provides the experience of traveling through the sea without having to board a ship or going through any dreadful seasickness.