Mövenpick in RAK builds longest suspended bridge in northern region

An architectural feat has been achieved by the under-construction Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.

The two buildings of the resort hospitality project by RAK AMI Hotel are now connected by the longest suspended bridge in the Northern Emirates.

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. The suspended bridge has a development value of Dhs543 million.

Arch. 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.”

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.

Not only serving as a connection for the hotel, but 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.

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island will be delivered as planned by September 2021. The hotel is set in elegantly landscaped gardens with its own secluded white sandy beach. It will add 418 hotel keys, all with direct sea views. Guests can choose from large-sized family rooms, suites or 28 beachfront chalets with private pools and gardens.

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.