A view of Dubai Creek in 1960. Before the construction of Al Maktoum Bridge, commuters relied on traditional Abra's or had to travel long distances around the waterway. The bridge’s completion allowed people and goods to move freely between Bur Dubai and Deira, greatly enhancing trade and connectivity.
Al Maktoum Bridge: Bridging Dubai’s past, present, and future
Today, Al Maktoum Bridge carries six lanes of traffic and includes a pedestrian walkway
Last updated:
3 MIN READ
Al Maktoum Bridge stands as a lasting symbol of Dubai’s transformation—an architectural landmark that connects not just two sides of a city but its heritage with its future. Spanning the historic Dubai Creek, the bridge has played a vital role in shaping the emirate’s infrastructure, economy, and urban identity.
Gulf News archives and Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
Opened on May 23, 1963, by late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Al Maktoum Bridge was the first permanent crossing over Dubai Creek. Before its construction, commuters relied on traditional abra’s or had to travel long distances around the waterway. With the bridge in place, people and goods could move freely between Bur Dubai and Deira, significantly boosting trade and connectivity.
Named after the ruling Al Maktoum family, the bridge symbolizes their vision of unity, progress, and forward-thinking urban planning. Its strategic importance was immediately felt, as it enabled the efficient transport of goods from Dubai’s Customs Wharves to the Deira Dhow Wharves, supporting the city’s thriving trade routes with India, East Africa, and the Gulf. Initially built without a movable section, a swing mechanism was added between 1969 and 1970 to accommodate larger vessels—a testament to Dubai’s adaptable infrastructure approach. Today, Al Maktoum Bridge carries six lanes of traffic and includes a pedestrian walkway, serving thousands of commuters daily. The swing bridge continues to open at scheduled times, preserving its utility for maritime traffic.
An aerial photograph from 1962 captures the bridge during its construction, showcasing the early stages of this monumental project. A rare glimpse into Dubai's transformation during the early 1960s.
While newer crossings such as Garhoud Bridge, Business Bay Crossing, and various tunnels have expanded the city’s road network, Maktoum Bridge remains integral to Dubai’s transport system. Its location provides direct access to key areas, including Dubai International Airport, Deira’s bustling souks, and Bur Dubai’s cultural landmarks.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) ensures the bridge’s efficiency through innovative traffic systems, routine maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades. This blend of heritage and innovation reflects Dubai’s broader strategy: preserving its past while embracing a high-tech future.
A ship undergoing repairs during low tide near Al Maktoum Bridge in Dubai on August 10, 1983.
Traffic jam at Al Maktoum Bridge in Dubai on January 9, 1988.
Al Maktoum Bridge facing Bur Dubai in 1989, with Al Nasr Stadium visible in the far distance and the domed gates of Rashid Hospital centered behind the low trees.
A 1992 view of Deira, as seen from Al Maktoum Bridge, showcases the evolving skyline of Dubai during a period of rapid urban development.
The opening section of Al Maktoum Bridge undergoing testing in Dubai on September 13, 1992.
View of Al Maktoum Bridge on November 16, 1996.
Fireworks light up the night sky over Dubai Creek near Al Maktoum Bridge during the first day of Eid in 2005.
A view of Al Maktoum Bridge in 2007.
Al Maktoum Bridge Salik toll gate in 2008. Dubai launched the Salik electronic toll system on July 1, 2007, marking a new era in road management.
Al Maktoum Bridge, Dubai, in 2017. During this year, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) conducted annual maintenance on the bridge, closing it on Fridays from October 27 to November 24, 2017, between 1:00 AM and 9:00 AM. This maintenance was aimed at ensuring the bridge's safety and operational efficiency. Alternative routes, including the Shindagha Tunnel, Garhoud Bridge, and the Business Bay Crossing, were provided to accommodate traffic during the closure.
Beyond its functional role, Maktoum Bridge offers a unique pedestrian experience. Walking across the bridge offers panoramic views of Dubai Creek, where traditional abra's still glide across the water—reminders of the city’s origins as a maritime trading post.
In 2025, Al Maktoum Bridge, one of Dubai's oldest and busiest crossings over Dubai Creek, underwent significant maintenance to extend its operational life by 50 years. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) conducted a comprehensive overhaul, including the replacement of metal curtains supporting the bridge walls in the creek area. These upgrades were essential to accommodate the heavy traffic between Bur Dubai and Deira. During this period, the bridge experienced partial closures, operating from 11 PM to 5 AM on weekdays and fully closed on Sundays until January 16, 2025. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes, such as the Garhoud Bridge, Infinity Bridge, Shindagha Tunnel, and Business Bay Bridge, to minimise disruptions.
Beyond its functional role, Al Maktoum Bridge offers a unique pedestrian experience. Walking across the bridge offers panoramic views of Dubai Creek, where traditional abra's still glide across the water—reminders of the city’s origins as a maritime trading post.
As one of Dubai’s oldest and most enduring landmarks, Maktoum Bridge is more than a structure—it is a living symbol of the city’s evolution. It connects not only the shores of the creek but also generations of history with aspirations for the future.
Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 26 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct. Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action. Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya. His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011. He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
Network Links
GN StoreAbout Gulf NewsTerms & ConditionsReach by GNSitemapContact usPrivacy PolicyGN FocusHave your sayWork with usAdvertise with usGulf News epaperPrinting Services
Download our app
© Al Nisr Publishing LLC 2025. All rights reserved.