Abu Dhabi’s Mid-Island Parkway Phase One to Transform Regional Connectivity by 2027
The Department of Municipalities and Transport has unveiled plans to complete the first phase of its landmark Mid-Island Parkway project by 2027, a AED2.85 billion infrastructure initiative that will slash travel times across the emirate whilst establishing a new blueprint for sustainable multi-surface transportation networks.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has announced that the first phase of the Mid-Island Parkway project, valued at AED2.85 billion, is scheduled for completion in 2027. This transformative infrastructure initiative will establish a new road connection between Saadiyat Island and the Umm Yifeenah Island Central Interchange, fundamentally reshaping regional mobility patterns.
Transformative Journey Times and Eight-Lane Infrastructure
The completed Phase One will comprise an eight-lane dual carriageway connecting the existing northern Saadiyat interchange on the E12 highway to the island’s southern end and extending across to Umm Yifeenah Island. Upon opening, the connection is expected to reduce journey times to Reem Island or Abu Dhabi’s main island from 25 minutes to just 10 minutes, representing a significant enhancement to commuter convenience and economic efficiency.
The project showcased as a key initiative at LIVEX 2026, demonstrates innovative engineering solutions tailored to Abu Dhabi’s unique geographical and environmental context. The development incorporates two kilometres of reclaimed land, shielded by 150,000 square metres of protective rock covering to prevent erosion. The remaining 1.5 kilometres comprise an underground channel, including an 11-metre-deep, 600-metre underwater segment beneath Khor Laffan, constructed using precast concrete roof panels manufactured off site to optimise construction efficiency.
Active Transport and Pedestrian Integration
Extending connectivity established by the previously completed Saadiyat Island highway, which linked Saadiyat Lagoons, Saadiyat Marina District, and New York University Abu Dhabi, the new phase includes four kilometres of walking and cycling tracks. This forms a continuous 12-kilometre active transport corridor across Saadiyat Island and onto Umm Yifeenah Island, encouraging sustainable mobility options for residents and visitors.
Sustainability at the Project’s Core
The Mid-Island Parkway integrates comprehensive sustainability measures throughout its design and delivery. These include prioritising locally sourced and recycled materials, installing 23,000 linear metres of smart energy-saving lighting, and implementing native, drought-resistant landscaping supported by an efficient 14,000-linear-metre irrigation system. Such measures reflect Abu Dhabi’s commitment to balancing infrastructure development with environmental stewardship.
Phase Two and the Complete Vision
His Excellency Eng. Eisa Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Director General of Infrastructure Development at DMT, stated: “The Mid-Island Parkway project as a whole reflects the kind of infrastructure Abu Dhabi is building today, where every major development, from design to delivery, takes into account its impact on the emirate’s liveability and people’s lives, as well as the wider benefits it brings to vital sectors of the economy such as tourism, trade and logistics.”
Phase Two will extend the transport corridor across 14.5 kilometres, linking Umm Yifeenah Island through Bilrimaid and Samaliyah Islands to Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha Beach, and Khalifa City. Featuring four lanes in each direction with dedicated walking and cycling tracks, this phase is designed to reduce travel times across the mid-island corridor to approximately seven minutes. The design incorporates marine bridges, elevated flyovers, and an advanced underwater road tunnel engineered to minimise disturbance to surrounding mangroves, salt marshes, and coastal sabkha habitats.
Once fully operational, the complete Mid-Island Parkway will reduce travel times between Abu Dhabi’s various districts substantially, with journeys between Saadiyat Island and Zayed City estimated at just under 15 minutes. The DMT has also unveiled complementary plans for a 37-kilometre coastal route connecting Al Hudayriyat Island to the E11 at Al Nouf, featuring three lanes in each direction, one tunnel, seven kilometres of marine bridges, and four kilometres of causeways, alongside animal crossing infrastructure and environmental protections.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office