Dubai's Al Maktoum Lifting Bridge

Al Maktoum Bridge was being built when Sheikh Rashid decided to deepen Dubai Creek. The new Al Maktoum Bridge was now too low to allow dhows to pass. He ordered a new "Bascule Bridge" section to be built. This section could be raised when dhows needed to pass the bridge.

Sheikh Rashid had funded deepening Dubai Creek bytaxing Dubai's Merchants. It was in the Merchants' interest to develop and improve Dubai Creek so they supported Sheikh Rashid. Note the reference to BOAC Jetty. Maybe this is a link to the days of Imperial Airways Flying Boats.

A Caterpillar Bulldozer starts cutting the new channel for the Lifting Bridge.Dubai's Clock Towercan be seen in the distance.

Core samples being taken prior to dredging the new channel.

Sheet piling the new ramp in progress.

This aerial view shows the temporary ramp in operation. Road traffic is diverted off the bridge onto the ramp while work continues on the Lifting Section.

The bridge lifting machinery was substantial.

Sheikh Rashid formally opened the Lifting Bridge on April 20th 1970 by operating the bridge controls.

Official Notice of the Lifting Bridge opening.

Original intention was for Sheikh Rashid's Yacht Zabeel to be the first vessel to sail under the Lifting Bridge. But Sheikh Rashid declined.Read full story here.

Dredger William Strobel was the first vessel to sail under the Lifting Bridge.Read the full story here.

Celebrating the new Lifting Bridge. Note the Water Skier in the Creek! Water Skiing and Sailing were popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s.