The River Nile is famous for being the longest river in the world; 6,650km in length stretching through 11 countries in Africa.
But the Nile may lose its status as the world’s longest river as Saudi Arabia plans to build an artificial one almost double the length.
Under the plans, a river 12,000 kilometres in length and 11 metres wide will be made.
Saudi journalist, Ahmad Al Shugair, described in the TV series ‘Seen’ how anti-corrosion pipes with a diameter of 2.25 metres will be required to complete the ambitious work.
He added: “The amount of effort spent to create underground rivers provides us with water in our homes, even though we are in an area that is mostly desert. It is a blessing I was born with, and from getting used to it I forgot it and took it for granted.
“Thank you to everyone who had a hand that we wake up and find water at home.
“After a few years, the length of the water pipes will transport this fresh water from one place to another.”
He continued: “We are talking about the longest, twice the longest river in the world. They are all underground pipes that bring us fresh, good water,”
The river is one of a number of ambitious Saudi projects. Another is the construction of the world’s first ever ‘line’ city, NEOM. The city was supposed to be 170km (105 miles) but has now been scaled back to just 2.4km.
Meanwhile, construction has also begun on the world’s biggest building in the capital Riyadh.
The huge project, named The Mukaab. will stand at an impressive 1,300ft high and 1,200ft wide.
The building will house restaurants, shops, and other luxury attractions.
New Murabba Development Company said in a statement: “It seeks to be the world’s first immersive destination offering an experience created by digital and virtual technology with the latest holographic.
“It will be a premium hospitality destination with a multitude of retail, cultural and tourist attractions, along with residential and hotel units, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities.”
