HEAD: The construction of a bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia will start next week, reported the State Information Service. The 50 km bridge will cost $3 billion.

The construction work is expected to take up to three years to be completed.

A Saudi source said King Abdullah Bin Abdel Aziz is expected to lay down the foundation stone of the project next week.

The bridge will link Ras Hamid in Tabuk area in Saudi Arabia with Egypt s Sharm El-Sheikh City and Tiran Island, the reports noted.