A view of the under-construction bridge in Ras Al Khaimah.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Ras Al Khaimah has achieved another architectural landmark that will add to its touristic attractions: The longest suspended bridge that connects the two buildings of the new Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island.

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, the hospitality project by RAK AMI Hotel, a company focused on developing and managing hotels, is located centrally in Al Marjan Island, the flagship lifestyle and leisure destination developed by Marjan, the master-developer of freehold property in Ras Al Khaimah.

Architect Abdulla Al Abdooli, Chairman of RAK AMI Hotel, said: “The suspended bridge is designed to be one of the iconic features of the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island that will not only add to the aesthetics of the project but also create an inspiring architectural marvel that delight visitors to Al Marjan Island. We are progressing with the construction of the hotel as per schedule, with an international team of professionals on-site. The suspended bridge will be a value-add for the hotel and support the emirate’s tourism sector.”

Cranes adjust stone blocks to be used for the bridge's construction.

The suspended bridge is one of the stand-out features of the hotel that has a development value of Dhs543 million.

At 36 metres long, the bridge will feature eight hotel rooms that are set to be widely sought-after. The bridge is supported by four main trusses, each with a weight of 55 tonnes. Each truss is 4 metres high and installed at a height of 44.2 metres.

With intermediate beams and composite floor deck, the bridge structure was assembled at the ground floor in two pieces comprising two trusses each, and lifted in place using a 650-tonne crawler crane.

The bridge is fabricated using 310 tonnes of structural steel. The bridge project – from design to installation - was completed in around 65 days by over 55 professionals and skilled workers.

Work in progress at the construction site.

Not only serving as a connection for the hotel, the bridge will also offer vantage viewing points opening to spectacular views of Al Marjan Island and its picturesque settings for the residents in the hotel rooms located within the bridge.

A unique engineering marvel, the bridge is expected to become a leading tourist landmark and add new economic value to Al Marjan Island and Ras Al Khaimah.

The installation process of the suspended bridge has been completed successfully, following all safety procedures including traffic management, to ensure the safety of the public and staff. All COVID-19 precautionary measures were followed during the construction and installation process.

Currently, Al Marjan Island has over 1,600 operational five-star hotel keys, including Rixos Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Accor Hotels brands, and more than 2,000 residential units including Bab Al Bahar residential and Pacific by Select Group. The plan is to develop 2,400 hotel-, residential- and mixed-use units by 2025 with several already under design review or in different stages of completion.