The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited Tehran on Wednesday underlined an ambitious plan between his country and Iran to dig the Qatar-Iran Tunnel under the Persian Gulf. This tunnel is expected to expand connectivity between Western Asia and the Caspian Sea, all the way to the Mediterranean.
This idea of constructing the world’s longest tunnel was first featured in 2022 during the late President Ebrahim Raeisi visit to Qatar. At that time it was only mentioned that this project would proceed once a joint Qatar-Iran committee finished both the studies and the negotiations of the project.
Project Factsheet
Significance:
- create a direct land connection between Qatar and Iran, boosting trade and connectivity between West Asia and Eurasia.
- To reduce Qatar’s reliance on land routes through Saudi Arabia.
Proposed Route and Length:
- The tunnel would start at the northern tip of the Qatari peninsula and extend approximately 190 kilometers to the Iranian coast near Dayyer.
- This would make it the world’s longest tunnel, significantly surpassing existing tunnels like the Channel Tunnel and sections of the Chengdu metro.
Project Status:
- The idea was first raised in 2022.
- A joint Qatari-Iranian commission is being established to conduct feasibility studies and negotiations.
Economic Implications:
- The project is expected to involve substantial costs.
- Qatar’s significant natural gas revenues could facilitate funding.
- The tunnel has the potential to transform regional trade dynamics.
Geopolitical Implications:
- The tunnel could strengthen ties between Qatar and Iran.
- It could also impact regional trade routes and geopolitical relationships
During his meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Qatar’s emir said that the committee on the project will be launched soon. Furthermore, this is a clear indication on the seriousness of the emirate to bringing the project to fruition.
Length of the Qatar-Iran Tunnel
This tunnel will start from the northern tip of the northern tip of the Qatar peninsula. It will stretch approximately 190 kilometres to the Iranian coast near Dayyer. This tunnel’s length is approximately three times more the current longest transport tunnel in China. The tunnel in China is a 68-kilometer section of the Chengdu metro.
Additionally, it will be five times further than the longest undersea tunnel, the Channel Tunnel connecting France and UK. This tunnel runs for 38 kilometres.
Significance of the Project
The upcoming Iran-Qatar tunnel is expected to transform Qatar’s relations with the World. It will have positive political and economic effects for both Qatar and Iran.
Furthermore, this tunnel will enable Iran to access the African, European, and Mediterranean markets. Lastly, it will also provide a useful pathway for Saudi Arabia to access the markets of Central Asia, China, and Russia.
Also read: Connecting Norway: The $46 Billion Rogfast Undersea Tunnel
