Sheikh Zayd's Bridge


Abu Dhabi is known all over the world for its avant-garde design, creative architecture and unusual buildings. For the new bridge across the Macta channel, which separates the island of Abu Dhabi from the mainland, the municipality chose the design of the famous architect Zaha Hadid. The asymmetrical, powerful bridge design of 912 m long embodies the dunes of the United Arab Emirates and has three pairs of steel arches. The structure was named Sheikh Zayd's Bridge in honor of the first Sheikh of the UAE.

Bridge architecture

Theoretically, the bridge simply connects the space between the two banks. But in reality there is nothing simple in this construction. When Zaha Hadid designed this bridge, she wanted to get a fast-moving, highly conceptual project covering space and time.

To create such a structure in the face of extremely tough time constraints, complex and extensive metal structures were needed. Moreover, in order to successfully coordinate the activities of 2,300 people working on the bridge, an experienced construction firm was required. Finally, it was necessary to mobilize and apply a variety of equipment needed for construction, including 22 cranes and 11 sea barges. The structure of the bridge itself was designed to withstand high wind speeds, extreme temperatures and potentially earthquakes.

In November 2010, as planned, Sheikh Zayd's bridge was opened, and finally completed in May 2011. Its cost was about $ 300 million.

Today the bridge looks impressive. Three pairs of wavy steel arches reach a height of almost 70 m, bending and spreading around two four-lane roads. On the one hand, the bridge has a futuristic view, and on the other - its design is inspired by nature, sand dunes that surround the region.

How to get there?

Sheikh Zaid's bridge connects Abu Dhabi and the mainland, directly to the road E10. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street goes straight to the bridge.