A Bridge to Abu Dhabi’s Evolving Landscape: The Ramhan and Jubail Islands Gateway Opens Next Year

Seven bridges, three tunnels and sweeping environmental ambition: the Department of Municipalities and Transport reveals its vision for connecting two islands to the broader metropolitan fabric

The architectural ambitions of Abu Dhabi continue to reshape the emirate’s geography. In the second quarter of 2027, a significant new gateway will open to Ramhan and Jubail Islands, completing a seven-bridge network that will thread these emerging destinations into Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway. The Department of Municipalities and Transport has designed this infrastructure not merely as functional passage, but as a catalyst for broader urban and economic transformation across the region.

Spanning more than 166,000 square metres and representing an investment of AED 872 million, the project embodies a considered approach to metropolitan expansion. Three tunnels will run alongside the bridge network, accompanied by carefully calibrated ramps, roads and utility corridors that promise to distribute traffic flow with greater efficiency whilst maintaining the coherence of the existing transportation system. The undertaking reflects the sophistication now expected of large-scale infrastructure in the emirate, where capacity and connectivity serve as foundations for liveable communities.

Eng Eisa Mubarak Almazrouei, Director General of Infrastructure Development at the Department of Municipalities and Transport, characterises the initiative as fundamental to Abu Dhabi’s strategic direction. “This sophisticated construction project represents an important part of Abu Dhabi’s evolving transportation network, facilitating access to Ramhan and Jubail Islands whilst unlocking new development zones and economic opportunities,” he noted, emphasising how such infrastructure creates the conditions for integrated, thriving neighbourhoods that elevate quality of life across the emirate.

The Department has woven environmental consciousness into every aspect of the development. Energy efficient LED lighting will be installed throughout, reducing both energy consumption and light pollution, whilst the construction process itself reflects a commitment to circular principles. Approximately 90 per cent of the project’s waste—equivalent to over 2,200 tonnes—will be recycled during implementation, demonstrating a maturity in infrastructure delivery that balances growth with responsibility.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts underway across Abu Dhabi’s transport networks. As the Department continues to enhance connectivity in areas such as Mussafah through comprehensive road enhancement programmes, the strategic focus remains on creating fluid, integrated systems that support both current residents and future growth. The completion of the Ramhan and Jubail Islands connection will represent another significant milestone in the emirate’s evolving metropolitan vision.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The opening of direct, modern transit links to Ramhan and Jubail Islands removes geographical barriers that have long constrained development. With improved accessibility and capacity on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway, the islands transition from peripheral locations to integral parts of Abu Dhabi’s economic and residential fabric. New development zones will become viable, attracting investment and creating fresh opportunities for employment and enterprise across the emirate.

For residents and visitors, the project enhances mobility and quality of life more broadly. Smoother traffic flow throughout the vicinity reduces congestion and journey times, whilst the environmental features embedded in the design—efficient lighting, waste recycling and thoughtful urban planning—demonstrate a commitment to sustainable urban development that supports Abu Dhabi’s long-term wellbeing and ambitions.

Source: WAM