Nothing beats Dubai in terms of creating the future’s urban landscape. The world’s one and only 7-star hotel? Check. Artificial islands in the shape of a palm tree? Check. Dubai is also planning to build the world’s first ever rotating tower. And in 2012, the booming city will also become home to the world’s largest and tallest arch bridge.

The Roads and Transport Authority of the United Arab Emirates selected Fxfowle’s (New York architecture firm) proposal for the design of an astonishing and unique bridge in Dubai in an international design competition. The winning design further advances the transportation and infrastructure initiatives in Dubai.

Fxfowle envisions the bridge the world’s largest and tallest spanning arch bridge. It will be 1 mile long and around 670 feet tall. The arch bridge will carry over 2,000 vehicles every hour in each direction. It will have 12 lanes for traffic and a metro line will run across the middle of the bridge.

Sudhir Jambhekar, Senior Partner, Fxfowle International stated, "The bridge’s design was inspired by multiple sources, each evoking similar imagery – the rhythmic grace of Dubai Creek’s current, the elegant splendor of the sand dunes adjacent to the City, the lighting patterns of the lunar cycle and the design of the future Opera House."

He added, "We believe that our bridge design is not merely to link the City’s cultural and commercial developments or ease congestion, but an opportunity to connect people both physically and emotionally by creating an iconic landmark, destination, and gateway between the old, the new and the future Dubai."

The $817 million project will begin in March and is expected to be completed in 2012. Fxfowle’s winning design has Sheikh Mohammed’s stamp of approval.

Image Source: Fxfowle