Designed by London-based architect Zaha Hadid, the striking bridge symbolises the dunes of the desert. The structure, known as the Sheikh Zayed bridge, will cross the Maqta channel and is due to be completed in late 2006.

Archirodon has awarded a series of subcontracts recently, the latest being announced by Denmark-based Arminox. Worth an estimated Eur 1.5 million ($1.7 million), the package calls for the supply of 400 tonnes of steel reinforcement bar (rebar), which will be sourced from the UK, Italy and Spain.

The bridge package is the third and final element on the estimated $250 million project. Package 1, covering the 3.8-kilometre approach road on the mainland, is due to be completed in November by a local/Belgian joint venture of Al-Jaber Transport & General Contracting Establishmentand Six Construct. Package 2, the 2.8-kilometre-long link from the bridge to the Eastern ring-road on Abu Dhabi island, is being built by the local Hilal Bil Badi & Partnersand is due to be completed in late 2004.

The consultant is the UK's High-Point Rendel.