Photo courtesy of Developmentcrossing World's Largest Arch Bridge in Dubai. image:37461:2::0

Dubai wants to invest in its future, making sure it's not dependent on petroleum revenue, as its oil reserves are depleting. It has built many advanced projects like the Burj al-Arab (the world’s tallest hotel), artificial islands that resemble the shape of the world, and Hydropolis (the world’s first underwater hotel) and many more.

And with this new arched bridge, it will add another landmark to the impressive total of "firsts" it already claims.

The world’s longest arched bridge will be built at a cost of about 3 billion Dirhams ($816.9 million) and will be accomplished by the year 2012.

But is this project necessary? According to a recent environmental study, the bridge was called a totally unnecessary project. Critics say builders should instead focus on sustainable development projects. The UAE rulers have other ideas and are determined to complete this project it as planned.



Other salient features of this arch bridge are:
- The Crossing has a length of 1600 meters and a width of 64 meters.

- The Crossing consists of 12 lanes; 6 lanes at each direction.

- The giant arch has a height of 205 meters and a length of 667 meters; considered the longest arch-bridge in the world.

- The Green Line of Dubai Metro passes across the center of the Crossing.

- The Crossing rises 15 meters above the water level, allowing free navigation 24 hours a day.



The video above shows the highlights of this proposed arch bridge in Dubai.