Abu Dhabi's Gateway Enjoys Royal Support

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Abu Dhabi's billion dirham "gateway" - also known as Sheikh Zayed Bridge - has been officially opened in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II. The British monarch attended the unveiling as one of several obligations during her recent state visit to the Gulf region. According to ArabianBusiness.com, the bridge has been designed as an iconic landmark for the UAE as well as an essential piece of infrastructure, and has added to growing interest in commercial property in Dubai. It is hoped that the bridge will help to reduce traffic congestion into Abu Dhabi city by 15 minutes as part of the emirate's 2030 economic vision. "Among its most iconic features are the 'sand dune'-shaped arches, meant to represent the desert dune hills of the Middle East, as well as the unique, colour-changing feature lighting supplied by Danway," observed the website. The bridge, which was nominated for infrastructure project of the year at the recent Construction Week awards, was designed by female architect Zaha Hadid. Queen Elizabeth II also unveiled plans for the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi as part of a state visit to the Gulf region. The British monarch revealed the project at a ceremony also attended by the UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Due to open in late 2014, the museum will be Located in Abu Dhabi's cultural district, Saadiyat Island, and will showcase the history and culture of the Emirates. According to building.co.uk, the architecturally impressive designs incorporate "a giant man-made mound" in order to help regulate interior temperatures in the hot climate. "These unusual looking wing-shaped structures were inspired by the late Sheik Zayed's love of falconry and actually function like a wing," observed the website. "The five towers vent hot air from the building below and negative pressure on the leeward side of the wing will help pull air out of the building." Earlier this week, the royal state visit saw Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and Chancellor of Cambridge University, sign a partnership between the education institution and the United Arab Emirates University.These Royal visits will undoubtedly stimulate increasing interest in the Dubai property market, which has shown a remarkable resurgence in the last year.