Abu Dhabi's Mid-Island Parkway to Cut Saadiyat to Reem Trip to 10 Minutes
Phase One of Abu Dhabi's AED 2.85 billion Mid-Island Parkway is due in 2027 and will cut the Saadiyat to Reem Island drive from 25 minutes to 10. What is being built.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published
Abu Dhabi's Mid-Island Parkway is on schedule. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has confirmed that the first phase of the megaproject will be finished in 2027, cutting the drive between Saadiyat Island and Reem Island from 25 minutes to just 10, Khaleej Times reported on 5 October.
For anyone who commutes between the islands, that is a daily saving worth knowing about.
What Phase One of the Mid-Island Parkway includes
Phase One is worth AED 2.85 billion, according to Khaleej Times. It will deliver an eight-lane dual carriageway running from Saadiyat Island's northern interchange on the E12 highway down to the southern end of the island, then on to the Umm Yifeenah Island Central Interchange.
The engineering is substantial:
- Reclaimed land: the road crosses 2 kilometres of it, protected from erosion by 150,000 square metres of rock
- Underground route: 1.5 kilometres of underground channels
- Underwater section: a 600-metre segment, 11 metres deep, beneath Khor Laffan
- Faster building: precast concrete roof panels made off-site to cut construction time on location
Eisa Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Director General of Infrastructure Development at DMT, said the project reflects how Abu Dhabi now weighs the impact of major works on liveability and people's lives, as well as on sectors such as tourism, trade and logistics.
A 12km walking and cycling corridor
The parkway is built for people on foot and on bikes as well. Phase One adds 4 kilometres of walking and cycling tracks, extending an existing Saadiyat path into a continuous 12-kilometre active travel corridor that reaches Umm Yifeenah Island.
The phase also includes 23,000 linear metres of smart, energy-saving lighting, locally sourced and recycled construction materials, and native drought-resistant planting watered by a 14,000-linear-metre irrigation network.
Phase Two and the new coastal expressway
The second phase goes further. It will run 14.5 kilometres across Bilrimaid and Samaliyah Islands to Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha Beach and Khalifa City, with four lanes in each direction. The aim is to bring mid-island journeys down to roughly 7 minutes.
It will feature marine bridges, elevated flyovers and an underwater road tunnel designed to protect nearby mangroves and salt marshes.
DMT also announced a planned 37-kilometre coastal expressway linking Al Hudayriyat Island to the E11 at Al Nouf. It will connect Al Dhafra directly to Abu Dhabi Island via natural islands including Al Futaisi and Al Aryam, carrying both freight and everyday commuters, with protections around the Bul Syayeef Marine Protected Area and Ramsar wetland.
Once the full network is running, DMT says Saadiyat Island will be connected to Zayed City in under 15 minutes.
What it means for Abu Dhabi commuters
Nothing changes on the roads today, but the timeline matters if you are choosing where to live or work:
- Island residents and workers: a 10-minute Saadiyat to Reem link from 2027 makes living on one island and working on the other far more practical.
- Cyclists and walkers: the continuous 12km route to Umm Yifeenah Island gives a car-free option for shorter trips.
- Home hunters: areas along the Phase Two route, such as Al Raha Beach and Khalifa City, stand to gain quicker links once that phase is built.
Our explainer on whether your commute counts as working hours in the UAE covers the rules. For a wider view of upcoming road projects, see our round-up of UAE transport changes in 2026.
Key takeaway
The first phase of Abu Dhabi's Mid-Island Parkway is on track for 2027 and will cut the Saadiyat to Reem Island drive from 25 minutes to 10. A second phase and a 37km coastal expressway are planned, with the full network linking Saadiyat to Zayed City in under 15 minutes.
FAQ
When will the Mid-Island Parkway open in Abu Dhabi?
DMT has confirmed that Phase One is on track for completion in 2027. No date for Phase Two was reported.
How long will it take to drive from Saadiyat Island to Reem Island?
Once Phase One opens, the trip is expected to take about 10 minutes, down from 25 minutes today.
How much does the Mid-Island Parkway cost?
Phase One of the project is worth AED 2.85 billion, according to Khaleej Times.
Will the Mid-Island Parkway have a cycling track?
Yes. Phase One adds 4 kilometres of walking and cycling tracks, creating a continuous 12-kilometre route from Saadiyat to Umm Yifeenah Island.
Where will Phase Two of the Mid-Island Parkway go?
Phase Two will cover 14.5 kilometres across Bilrimaid and Samaliyah Islands to Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha Beach and Khalifa City, aiming for mid-island trips of around 7 minutes.
Further reading
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