"Al-Ilam" Bridge Evokes Nostalgia Among Its Retirees

The Media Bridge, or what we might call the “Bridge of Media Makers,” is a passage that many of the figures we see on television or hear on the radio have crossed time and again, as well as the unsung, unseen heroes who have contributed to what we watch and hear. This bridge, located opposite the Ministry of Media building, stirs deep emotions in Abdullah Al-Abdullah, a retiree of ten years who has been a contemporary of the ministry’s ministers from 1985 until his retirement. Each time he passes by, his heart overflows with a nostalgic longing, murmuring softly: “I have my nostalgia, I don’t know who will take me away tonight…” His eyes, scanning the old building and the modern bridge, seem to cry out: “The places you walked through live on in my soul and my father’s soul… but I couldn’t find you.” They search for colleagues with whom he used to stroll every morning as they headed to the ministry across the bridge built by the Ministry of Public Works in 1998.

Initially, the bridge was concrete, with a traditional open iron structure, constructed to ensure the safe crossing of employees of the Media Complex over the vital road adjacent to the ministry. Over the years, and due to changing weather conditions, the bridge underwent comprehensive rehabilitation and development, transforming into a smart, fully enclosed, air-conditioned bridge equipped with modern escalators.

This bridge was introduced as a radical and safe solution, completely eliminating potential accident risks. It became a secure passage, entirely isolated from vehicular traffic, and provided intelligent engineering that withstood weather fluctuations, protecting users from the scorching heat of summer and the intense sun. It also featured a modern design that combined structural durability with aesthetic elegance, adding a visual touch that harmonizes with the visual identity of the Ministry of Media Complex.