Despite its ominous nickname “Blood Border,” the grandiose project of the King Fahd Causeway has become not only one of the most prominent landmarks of the two countries but also a symbol of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The bridge received its byname for numerous car races of young people under the influence and, as a result, frequent accidents. Youngsters from Saudi Arabia often have fun in nightclubs in Bahrain, where alcohol is allowed. When they return home, the slopped ones arrange deadly night races on the bridge.

More than 25 kilometers long, the impressive reinforced concrete structure consists of three separate bridges thrown across the bay and connecting Bahrain Island with one of the largest cities in Saudi Arabia, Al Khobar. One of the bridges connects Al Khobar with an artificial island, which houses the border checkpoint of the countries, two small mosques, and a popular restaurant with panoramic views at the top of a tower. The second connects this island with another one, Um Al Naasan, which hosts a reserve; the third leads from it to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The unveiling of the causeway, named after the former King of Saudi Arabia Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, took place in 1986. Soon, the bridge became one of the most frequented tourist sites. The construction took about five years. The foundation stone was laid by the heads of two states, the former King of Saudi Arabia Fahd and the former Emir of Bahrain Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. However, the project was financed only by Saudi Arabia. By the way, it is considered one of the most expensive projects in the world: it cost Saudi Arabia 1.2 billion American dollars.

Thanks to the unique causeway, the journey from the Bahrain capital of Manama to the port city of Saudi Arabia, Dammam, is no longer so wearisome and takes only about an hour instead of a whole day by ferry. All this greatly improved the development of the tourist industry of the two countries, and selfie lovers now have their fantastic photos on the epic King Fahd Causeway.

Be sure to check out Bahrain’s other notable landmarks as you pass the famous King Fahd Causeway. To one side of the causeway, there is the iconic Royal Camel Farm, where you can pet and feed these amazing creatures and, if you’re lucky, even see newborn colts.

To the other side of the causeway, there is the Al Jasra House museum, built in the traditional Arabian style from palm trunks and coral stones. It is notable because the former Emir of Bahrain, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, was born there.