Al Garhoud Bridge

Al Garhoud Bridge is one of the main road bridges spanning Dubai Creek in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, serving as a crucial connection between the districts of Bur Dubai and Deira, as well as providing access to Sharjah.

The original bridge was constructed and opened in 1976, marking the second permanent crossing over the creek after the Al Maktoum Bridge. At the time, it quickly became a vital infrastructure component, carrying heavy traffic volumes and connecting important road networks.

However, by the early 2000s, the old bridge became a major bottleneck, with traffic congestion caused by several roads converging into fewer lanes on the bridge, and the need to occasionally close the bridge for the passage of large boats.

To solve these problems, a new Al Garhoud Bridge was constructed between 2006 and 2008 by the Belgian contractor BESIX at a cost of approximately 415 million dirhams. The new bridge was designed to improve capacity and traffic flow with 14 lanes—seven lanes in each direction—capable of handling up to 16,000 vehicles per hour.

The bridge measures 520 meters in length and is approximately 16 meters above the water, allowing uninterrupted maritime traffic. The construction began in February 2006 and lanes were gradually opened starting in December 2007, with the old bridge subsequently demolished.

Besides its functional importance, the bridge features lighting artwork that shifts from resembling sand dunes during the day to waves at night, enhancing its aesthetic significance as a landmark.

Al Garhoud Bridge forms the eastern terminus of the Salik toll road system implemented in 2007, helping regulate traffic and reduce congestion in the Emirate.

It remains one of four main road bridges over Dubai Creek, alongside Al Maktoum Bridge, Business Bay Crossing, and Floating Bridge. Its strategic location and enhanced capacity continue to improve connectivity and urban traffic movement across Dubai, supporting the city's rapid development and increasing vehicle volumes.