Kuwait on Wednesday inaugurated one of the world's longest causeways, linking Kuwait City with Al-Subiya area to become a major free trade hub.
The 36-kilometre bridge connects Kuwait City to the northern desert area of Subbiya, where Kuwait aims to create the "Silk City" project linking the Gulf to central Asia and Europe.
The "Jaber" bridge, named after late ruler Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, spans 36 kilometres (22 miles), three-quarters of it over water.
It cuts the driving time between Kuwait City and Subbiya, close to both Iraq and Iran, from 90 minutes to less than half an hour. The traffic on the bridge will be monitored 24/7 through CCTV cameras by the Ministry of Interior.
The work was carried out by a consortium led by South Korea's Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. along with Kuwait's Combined Group Contracting Co.
The opening ceremony was attended by Kuwait's emir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah along with South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon and the leader of the French senate, Gerard Larcher.
Lee Nak-yeon said Wednesday the causeway would establish Kuwait as an international trade centre.