The Fifth Bridge

The Fifth Bridge in Dubai, commonly referred to as the Floating Bridge, is a pontoon bridge constructed over Dubai Creek to alleviate traffic congestion between the areas of Deira and Bur Dubai.

Officially commissioned on July 15, 2007, and built by Waagner Biro Gulf, this bridge was the first of its kind in the region, designed to handle an estimated 6,000 vehicles per hour. The bridge consists of two identical mirrored decks with six lanes total, each supported by large floating concrete pontoons measuring approximately 115 meters in length and 22 meters in width.

A key feature of the bridge is a hydraulically driven rotating steel middle section that can open to allow water traffic to pass beneath, preserving navigation on Dubai Creek.

The Floating Bridge was constructed as part of a broader initiative by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to improve transportation infrastructure and reduce heavy traffic loads on existing crossings such as the Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud Bridges.

The design accounts for wave action and traffic loads, using transitory elements between floating sections to maintain stability and ensure safety while distributing wave energy and vehicle pressure evenly across the structure.

This innovative engineering allowed the bridge to be assembled efficiently in just 23 days, with the entire project completed within 10 months at a cost of approximately 155 million dirhams (US$42 million).

Located about half a kilometer south of the then-existing Al Maktoum Bridge, the Floating Bridge provided an alternative route connecting Deira and Oud Metha Road, thereby improving commuting times significantly in one of Dubai’s busiest areas.

The bridge was designed to operate with scheduled closures at night to open for boats and abras, complementing other transportation modes such as water taxis on the creek. However, it was intended to be a temporary solution, with plans for replacement by more permanent infrastructure, including the Al Ittihad Bridge and Dubai Smile project.

In May 2023, the Roads and Transport Authority closed the Floating Bridge for maintenance, marking the end of its active service as Dubai moved forward with newer and larger-capacity crossings.

The Fifth Bridge greatly contributed to enhancing urban mobility in Dubai during its operational years and exemplifies the city’s forward-looking approach to transport infrastructure development.