Abu Dhabi's AED 2.85 Billion Mid-Island Parkway Phase One to Open in 2027

Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has announced that the initial phase of the AED 2.85 billion ($776 million) Mid-Island Parkway road project will conclude in 2027. This phase involves the construction of an eight-lane dual carriageway designed to improve connectivity and reduce travel times across several islands.

Project Scope and Connectivity

The first phase will establish a vital link from the northern Saadiyat interchange on the E12 motorway to the southern end of Saadiyat Island and further to the Umm Yifeenah Island Central Interchange. Upon completion, journey times between Saadiyat Island and Reem Island or Abu Dhabi's main island are projected to decrease substantially, from 25 minutes to just 10 minutes.

This infrastructure development includes 2 kilometres of reclaimed land, protected by 150,000 square metres of rock to prevent erosion. A notable engineering feature is a 1.5-kilometre underground channel incorporating a 600-metre underwater tunnel beneath Khor Laffan, situated at a depth of 11 metres.

Sustainable Features and Future Phases

Beyond road infrastructure, the first phase also integrates 4 kilometres of walking and cycling tracks, extending a continuous 12-kilometre path across Saadiyat and Umm Yifeenah islands. Sustainability is a key focus, with the inclusion of smart energy-saving lighting and an irrigation system designed to support native, drought-resistant landscaping.

Eisa Al Mazrouei, Director General of Infrastructure Development at DMT, highlighted that the project exemplifies the calibre of infrastructure being developed in Abu Dhabi. He also noted that the second phase is envisioned as a "global benchmark for multisurface land transportation networks."

The subsequent second phase will further extend the corridor by 14.5 kilometres, linking Umm Yifeenah Island to Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha Beach, and Khalifa City, passing through Bilrimaid and Samaliyah islands. This expansion will feature four lanes in each direction, including additional bridges, elevated flyovers, and another underwater road tunnel specifically designed to safeguard surrounding mangroves, salt marshes, and coastal habitats.

In addition to the Mid-Island Parkway, a separate 37-kilometre coastal route has also been announced, connecting Al Hudayriyat Island to the E11 at Al Nouf, and linking Al Dhafra to Abu Dhabi Island via Halat Al Bahrani, Al Futaisi, and Al Aryam islands.