Establishing a Canal Linking the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea

Abstract

The Arabian Gulf has experienced a continuous rise in salinity due to climatic changes, increased sea surface temperatures, decreased freshwater inflow, and high concentrations of brine discharge from seawater desalination plants. Given the Gulf’s limited water exchange with the Arabian Sea through the narrow Strait of Hormuz, salinity levels are projected to continue increasing, which threatens marine ecosystems and the long-term sustainability of desalination operations. This study proposes the construction of a canal linking the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea as a strategic solution to enhance water renewal and reduce salinity levels. The proposed canal would also serve as an alternative navigational route to the Strait of Hormuz. Three potential routes (A, B, and C) are examined, Total length is 247 Km the surface width is 620m and at the bottom 400 m,  with a preliminary engineering outline for Route C. Environmental, hydrodynamic, economic, and geopolitical implications are assessed. Findings indicate that such a canal could strengthen water circulation, introduce a sustained external water source, and alleviate long-term salinity escalation in the arabian Gulf.