Kuwait's Municipal Authority has approved a plan to build the $5.3 billion Subiya City. The megacity in a northern, uninhabited part of the country will be linked to the capital by a $1.5 billion, 22-km causeway bridge spanning Kuwait Bay.

The project, which aims to address the country's acute housing shortage, is expected to cover 260 sq km and accommodate 250,000 people. The city will be built in three phases over 20 years.

Kuwait is also planning a second new town in Khiran, near the border with Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain-Qatar causeway under study

Manama: Bahrain and Qatar have decided to study the construction of a causeway connecting the two countries. The move follows a meeting between HH the Amir Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the HH Amir of Qatar Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Bank plans new branches

Doha: Branches of the Qatar Islamic Bank are to be constructed in Al Khor and Salwa at a cost of QR9.5 million ($2.60 million) within nine months. The Al Khor branch, to be implemented by Amana Contracting Company, is to have a built-up area of 750 sq m on a site measuring 2,479 sq m, while the Salwa branch, to be built by Badr Contracting, will occupy a site measuring 1,050 sq m and will also have a built-up area of 750 sq m. The interior design will reflect the latest style of banking through digital cards for all transactions, thus eliminating the system of standing in queues.

Steel mill construction to begin soon

Dubai: The Dubai-based Ahli Steel Company has announced that construction of its new steel mill will start early this year. The foundation stone of the $130 million project is expected to be laid in February.

The company has signed a $110 million turnkey contract with Danieli Group, a leading Italy-based steel equipment manufacturer, which has started the design and manufacture of the production lines for the project.

The mill will produce steel bars, sections and wire rods and have an annual production capacity of 450,000 tonnes.

Six new schools planned

Sharjah: The number of schools in Sharjah, UAE, is expected to rise to 180 with the opening of six new schools in 2000. Two schools, located in Al Dhaid and Al Yash, will open in March. Work is also under way on four new schools in Al Muwafga, Al Rafi'a, Al Qaraen and Al Hamirya. Plans are also in hand to set up a new, spacious and well-equipped reference library at Sharjah Model School, said Sultan Khatem, in-charge of school buildings at the emirate's Educational Zone.