Mid-Island Parkway construction project is advancing toward a 2027 completion, promising faster journeys across Abu Dhabi’s growing island network. The Dh2.85 billion ($776 million) first phase will create an eight-lane dual carriageway between Saadiyat Island and Umm Yifeenah Island. Once operational, the route will reduce journeys from Saadiyat Island to Reem Island or Abu Dhabi Island from 25 minutes to 10 minutes.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) confirmed that construction remains on track. The project will also strengthen connections supporting residential, commercial, tourism and logistics developments across Abu Dhabi.
Mid-Island Parkway construction project advances complex roadworks
The first phase will extend from Saadiyat Island’s northern interchange on the E12 highway to its southern end. It will then continue toward the Umm Yifeenah Island Central Interchange.
However, the project involves considerably more than conventional highway construction. Engineers are building sections across reclaimed land and beneath the surrounding waterways.
The route crosses two kilometers of reclaimed land protected by 150,000 square meters of rock. The protection will help prevent erosion around the reclaimed sections.
Furthermore, 1.5 kilometers of the alignment will pass through underground channels. This section includes a 600-metre underwater tunnel beneath Khor Laffan at an 11-metre depth.
Engineers are using precast concrete roof panels manufactured away from the construction site. The approach reduces on-site construction time and limits the need for extensive scaffolding.
The Mid-Island Parkway forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader push to strengthen island connectivity through major road construction. The wider programme also includes a planned 37km coastal highway linking Al Hudayriyat Island with Al Nouf on the E11, with marine bridges, causeways and a tunnel.
Mid-Island Parkway construction project expands active mobility
The road development will also introduce four kilometers of walking and cycling tracks. These new facilities will extend an existing Saadiyat route into a continuous 12-kilometre active travel corridor.
The corridor will connect Saadiyat Island with Umm Yifeenah Island. Consequently, residents and visitors will gain another option for travelling between the connected communities.
Sustainability also forms part of the construction programme. The project includes 23,000 linear metres of smart energy-saving lighting.
Additionally, construction teams are using locally sourced and recycled materials. Native drought-resistant landscaping will support the route, alongside a 14,000-linear-metre irrigation network.
Eisa Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Director General of Infrastructure Development at DMT, said the project supports Abu Dhabi’s liveability objectives. He also highlighted its expected contribution to tourism, trade and logistics.
Meanwhile, Phase Two will extend the wider corridor by 14.5 kilometers. The planned route will cross Bilrimaid and Samaliyah Islands before reaching Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha Beach and Khalifa City.
Phase Two will provide four lanes in each direction. It will also include marine bridges, elevated flyovers and an underwater road tunnel.
The planned structures will help protect surrounding mangroves, salt marshes and coastal habitats. Once the wider network operates, Abu Dhabi expects travel between Saadiyat Island and Zayed City to take under 15 minutes.
The wider programme also includes a planned 37-kilometre coastal expressway. The route will connect Al Hudayriyat Island with the E11 at Al Nouf.
It will serve commercial freight and everyday commuters while incorporating environmental protections. These measures will cover the Bul Syayeef Marine Protected Area and surrounding Ramsar wetland.
Project Fact Sheet
Name: Mid-Island Parkway.
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Phase One investment: Dh2.85 billion ($776 million).
Completion target: 2027.
Road configuration: Eight-lane dual carriageway.
Lanes: Four lanes in each direction.
Main connection: Saadiyat Island to Umm Yifeenah Island.
Northern connection: Existing Saadiyat interchange on the E12 highway.
Southern connection: Umm Yifeenah Island Central Interchange.
Journey-time target: 10 minutes to Reem Island or Abu Dhabi Island.
Current journey time: Approximately 25 minutes.
Reclaimed land: Two kilometers.
Erosion protection: 150,000 square meters of protective rock.
Underground section: 1.5 kilometers.
Underwater tunnel: 600 meters beneath Khor Laffan.
Tunnel depth: 11 meters.
Walking and cycling tracks: Four kilometers of new facilities.
Active travel corridor: 12 kilometers.
Smart lighting: 23,000 linear meters.
Irrigation network: 14,000 linear meters.
Phase two extension: 14.5 kilometers.
Phase two destinations: Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha Beach and Khalifa City.
Full-network target: Saadiyat Island to Zayed City in under 15 minutes.
Project Team
Owner: Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
Authority: Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
Infrastructure leadership: Eisa Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Director General of Infrastructure Development, DMT.
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