There had been quite a stir some months ago when Saudi Arabia announced plans to dig a canal along Qatar’s border and turn the country into an island.

While people had initially scoffed at the news, it seems the country is moving forward with the bizarre plans, according to Bloomberg.   

It is understood that five international companies that specialise in digging canals have been invited to vie for the project, with bids closing on Monday and the winner to be chosen within 90 days, Makkah newspaper reported, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter.

The victorious company will be expected to complete the project in a year’s time.

The canal, which will stretch from Salwa to Khor Al Adeed and is to be 200M wide and 15 to 20M deep, is expected to cost around $746m to make, according to the Middle East Eye.

Ships up to 33M width and 295M length will be able to navigate the canal, it has been reported.

The Saudi government’s Center for International Communication didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The government has never confirmed the plan, first reported in April.

Other than cutting Qatar from its only land border, Riyadh envisages several uses for the canal. Beach resorts are planned in Salwa, Sakak, Khor Al Adeed and Ras Abu Qamees.

Ports are to be constructed in Salwa and in Aqlat Al Zawayed, as well as marinas along both banks for private yachts and water sports.

Somewhat less appealing for visitors, however, are the planned military base and nuclear waste dumping site.

The canal will reportedly be fully within the Saudi side of the border, so Qatar will have no waterway rights to it, and is said to be paid for entirely by Saudi and Emirati private investors.

Egyptian companies with expertise in digging are thought to be enlisted for assistance.