News

One Za’abeel reaches pivotal sliding phase of “The Link,” the world’s largest cantilever

DUBAI, UAE – 12 September 2019: Ithra Dubai, the leading developer of community-oriented real estate projects, fully owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, announces the start of the first sliding phase of the world’ s largest cantilever or “The Link,” on its landmark One Za’abeel development. The commencement of the sliding works will take place on Thursday September 12, 2019.

One Za’abeel is an iconic, high-rise, mixed-use luxury development currently under construction in the heart of the city, standing at the gateway of old and new Dubai. Designed as a destination in its own right that will draw visitors from the emirate and beyond, the development has now reached a new milestone with the launch of the sliding phase of the world’s largest cantilevered structure.

Suspended over 100 meters above ground level and measuring 210 meters in length, The Link is a panoramic sky concourse that connects the two towers of One Za’abeel. The timeless structure will house a choice of attractions including Michelin starred restaurants, observation decks, and an infinity pool as well as an immersive experience that is now in its final design stages.

Ithra Dubai and its construction partners are building The Link in sections and will be carrying out a sliding operation to move it into place, spanning the Happiness Bridge and linking the two towers, before it is lifted into its final position 100 meters in the air. The sliding phase will officially launch on Thursday September12, 2019 in the presence of Mr. Issam Galadari, Chief Executive Officer and board member of Ithra Dubai, as well as members from the development and construction teams.

On the sliding of The Link, Mr. Galadari said, “We are excited to have reached this critical stage on One Za’abeel’s construction. The Link is an incredible feat of engineering that showcases Dubai’s ingenuity and commitment to creating groundbreaking developments.”

“As the world’s largest cantilever, The Link will provide breathtaking 360 degree views of the city, in addition to the project’s prime location for residences, office space and leisure. The sliding phase of The Link is an incredible achievement that demonstrates Ithra Dubai’s talent and ability to overcome engineering challenges,” Galadari added.

Features of The Link’s Construction

Assembly of The Link’s main structure is an impressive engineering exploit. The bridge is constructed of seven steel modules – named Assembly A through G – that are being slid into place before they are lifted to their final position on the building. After connecting the first assembly to a temporary launching nose, The Link will then slide from Tower A towards Tower B.  Ithra Dubai has appointed a sliding and lifting specialist that will use heavy-duty strand jacks capable of generating a pulling force of up to 220 tons per jack to slide both Segment A and the launching nose thirty meters along the temporary platform to the edge of the podium. This will create space to assemble the next segment. At 1,742 metric tons and 51 meters in length, Assembly A is the heaviest individual node to be erected.

The primary nodes for each of the bridge’s assemblies were constructed off site and delivered fully fabricated to reduce on-site welding. Transporting these nodes entailed significant planning, coordination and execution to move the individual elements to the construction site, with the heaviest weighing in excess of 45 tons.

This latest stage in the building’s construction follows the assembly of a temporary launching nose on top of the retail podium level four in Tower A of One Za’abeel.

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NOTES FOR EDITORS:

Ithra Dubai

Ithra Dubai LLC, wholly owned by Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), develops and manages a large portfolio of pioneering real estate projects in Dubai and in key international markets.

Its rich portfolio of projects is designed to embrace diversity, shape happy communities, and bring prosperity to many. Ithra Dubai aims at delivering mixed-used developments on an ambitious scale, which incorporate world-class retail, commercial, residential, and leisure concepts.

About One Za’abeel

One Za’abeel is an iconic addition to Dubai’s skyline that evokes duality through the distinctive design of its two towers. It is a revolutionary high-rise mixed-use development incorporating luxury residences, an ultra-luxury hotel, serviced apartments, and premium, Grade A office spaces, a retail podium, and a panoramic sky concourse. Its design incorporates two modern high-rise towers connected by a record-setting cantilever called ‘The Link’, dissecting the two buildings.

A symbol of ambition, innovation and the pioneering spirit of Dubai, One Za’abeel stands proudly at the heart of the city, a destination that both captivates and inspires. With residences, businesses and leisure experiences that flow seamlessly together, the impressive but approachable development will promise the people of Dubai an elevated lifestyle.