Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has opened the Infinity Bridge over Dubai Creek.
He described the structure in Shindagha, Deira, as an “architectural masterpiece".
“The Infinity Bridge is a new global engineering, artistic and architectural masterpiece,” he said.
“We launched it today in Dubai. Our bridges are futuristic and our ambitions are endless.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid visits Dubai's Infinity Bridge
Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, Chairman of the Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security.
Formerly known as Shindagha Bridge, the 300-metre structure has six lanes in each direction and rises 15 metres above the creek, allowing boats to pass underneath.
The architectural arch of the Infinity Bridge is shaped in the form of the infinity symbol, with the top of the arch reaching 42 metres.
“The roads and transport sector is critical not only to accelerating economic growth but also enhancing the well-being of the community,” said Sheikh Mohammed in a statement.
“The rapid development of Dubai’s roads and transport network, with investments exceeding Dh140 billion over the past 15 years, reflects our belief in the role a strong infrastructure base plays in enhancing our global competitiveness, creating new growth opportunities, providing a supportive environment for business and ensuring the highest possible quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors to the emirate.”
A video was posted online to show the development of the bridge, starting with a display model of what it would look like and a time-lapse video demonstrating the construction phase.
The bridge is part of a Dh5bn project that will extend 13 kilometres along Sheikh Rashid Street, Al Mina district, Al Khaleej Street and Cairo Street.
The bridge can accommodate 24,000 vehicles per hour in both directions and features a combined 3-metre-wide track for pedestrians and cyclists.
Sheikh Mohammed was born in Shindagha, one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods.
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