Iconic Bridge Signifies Abu Dhabi's Entry into New Age

Abu Dhabi is about to become among one of the few distinguished cities that are recognised by a bridge.

Bridges are not just physical artifacts – connecting people from point A to point B. They do transcend these utilitarian functions and can become in the hands of a skilled architect or structural engineer landmark structures. Moreover they are also symbolic of human connections, people’s mobility and the ultimate desire for geographical supremacy. Looking at a bridge one can sense the extent to which civilisations have been able to defy physical laws of gravity.

Cities are sometimes defined by bridges – their sight immediately conjuring up images of their respective physical and cultural landscapes. Examples abound all over the world. For instance the London bridge spanning the river Thames, evoking scenes of Victorian London, or depictions from a Charles Dickens novel. Similarly Sydney’s bridge on Darling Harbouris a well known structure; or San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge – whose mere sight is indicative of California and the daring spirit of its city. In New York the Brooklyn Bridge is one of its most recognised landmarks, immortalised in movies such as Woody Allen’s “Manhattan” or Sergio Leone’s “Once upon a time in America” linking the sight of the structures massive pylons as they appear from Brooklyn to America’s youth and the story of its struggling immigrants.

And while these are modern structures, historically bridges have always played a role that goes beyond being a transportation device. This would include Florence’s Ponte Vechio for instance whose origins can be traced to Roman times. Spanning the Arno river it is unique because it contains multi-storey shops on both of its sides that still function till this day. But perhaps the most famous among these is the arch stone bridge of Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Built in the 15th century during Ottoman reign it represents a structural ingenuity and is symbolic of linking various ethnic communities. It also became the site for a rite of passage. The city’s youth would jump from the bridge into the river as a sign of entering adulthood.

Yet during the civil war in Bosnia the bridge was destroyed by what was then known as the Yugoslavian army. Hardened men, who have experienced the atrocities of civil war, were reduced to tears upon witnessing this barbaric act. A structure that stood for hundred of years and was representative of a nations harmony was reduced to rubble thus exposing the deep fissures that had existed. The memory of that bridge never faded. Thus, it was restored in 2004 using original stones that had fallen into the river.

Which brings me back to Abu Dhabi. Reports indicate that on December 2, the date of this nations union, the city will open a much-awaited structure – the Sheikh Zayed Bridge. The bridge has been years in the making due to its complex structure. Designed by well-known architect Zaha Hadid, its curved structure is meant to symbolise the dunes of the desert. A sweeping curvature connecting the island of Abu Dhabi to the mainland. It will greet visitors as they drive into the city thereby establishing a gateway of sorts.

This link has historical significance making its anticipated opening much more poignant. As Mohamed Al Fahim recounts in his autobiography “From Rags to Riches” residents of Abu Dhabi in the early years of the twentieth century would embark on a yearly journey from Abu Dhabi to Al-Ain during the summer to escape the settlement’s oppressive humidity. In his depiction he elaborates on this arduous journey which involved moving across marshlands and a waterway and passing next to a 200 year old watch tower – known as the Maqtaa fort. The passage was fraught with danger and took several days to complete till they reached their destination in Al-Ain.

Thus, this crossing became inevitably linked to the city’s origins. As time progressed and oil was discovered the late Sheikh Zayed in 1966 initiated a series of projects that would transform Abu Dhabi into the city we know today. Among these was the construction of the Maqtaa Bridge along this crossing – a well-known structure for those driving in and out of the city. That bridge defined the city’s entry into a modern era and became a symbol of sorts marking one’s entry into the island.

At the same time driving on that bridge one was always aware of the strange structure taking shape next to it. Over the years it has slowly grown, its arches gleaming in the sun and during sunset. It seemed like a law defying object that would perhaps never be completed. Yet it will open soon – and will become a fitting replacement for the old Maqtaa bridge. And in a very symbolic way it will also signify the city’s entry into a new age.

Of course landmarks need to be accessible and should spur developments that would enhance their stature making them part of people’s lives and not just objects to be admired from a distance. Only in this way will they become true symbols of the city.

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