CONSTRUCTION RECORD-UAE: Longest footbridge between two buildings

By IPS Correspondents Reprint | | Print |

Att.Editors: The following item is by the United Arab Emirates news agency (WAM)

DUBAI, Feb 7 2003 (IPS) - Union Properties (UP) yesterday said that a Skywalk Bridge that will be built between two Marriott Executive Apartments building in Dubai, one of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be the longest footbridge between two buildings in the world.

The footbridge that will link the buildings at the 19th floors will be 73 meters long. The company said that the completion of the bridge, which is due shortly, will not only make it a landmark for Dubai, but will give credence to the 37 companies that have been involved from start to the finish of this project.

‘Khaleej Times’ quoted Simon Azzam, chief executive officer of Union Properties as saying: "Each and every building project we complete is done so with the utmost professionalism from start to finish, The completion of the Skywalk Bridge is only different in that we have built a significant landmark, a world record."

He also pointed out that there have been many different facets to the project and they required complete harmony among management, contractors and suppliers. The successful completion gives credence to the cooperation and smooth business acumen of those involved, he added.

The Skywalk Bridge has been a one-off, technically demanding project, requiring a great deal of design from first principles, as well as a close degree of co-ordination and discussion.

Al Naboodah Laing is the main construction contractor of the project, while Hyder Consulting Middle East is the structural design engineer and Edara is the project manager. Noel Dolan, managing director of Al Naboodah Laing, described the project as huge in all areas.

"Technically it has been demanding, but this project has allowed us to expose our true ability as a main contractor ensuring that there is consistency throughout all aspects of the project and with all companies involved," he added.

The Skywalk Bridge will give residents of the towers’ apartments access to the shared leisure facilities including a swimming pool, gym and sauna. The buildings are 20 story high each and overlook Dubai Creek.