King Fahd Causeway

25-km bridge connecting Saudi Arabia to Bahrain — the only road link between the two countries

The King Fahd Causeway is a 25-kilometre twin bridge connecting the Saudi city of Al-Khobar (adjacent to Dammam) to the island kingdom of Bahrain. Opened in November 1986, it is one of the longest causeways in the world and the sole road link between the two countries. A midpoint island checkpoint handles customs and immigration; Saudi nationals and residents can cross in either direction, and the causeway sees heavy weekend traffic.

For visitors, the causeway offers a chance to cross into Bahrain for a day trip — the capital Manama is about 40 minutes from the Saudi side. The drive itself, across shallow green Gulf water on a clear day, is scenic. The causeway starts from the town of Al-Khobar, 20 km south of central Dammam.

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A story
The causeway opened in 1986 after seven years of construction, crossing some of the shallowest waters of the Gulf. Before it was built, the only way to reach Bahrain from Saudi Arabia was by air or boat. Today more than twelve million crossings are made each year, mostly by Saudis heading to Bahrain for a weekend where alcohol is legal and entertainment more varied.