Abu Dhabi’s Mid-Island Parkway: Improving Connectivity Across Key Residential Areas

Abu Dhabi’s AED 2.85 billion Mid-Island Parkway is progressing, with the first phase scheduled for completion in 2027.

The new route will connect Saadiyat Island with the Umm Yifeenah Island Central Interchange, creating a more direct connection towards Reem Island to the west and Khalifa Park and Bateen Airport on Abu Dhabi’s main island.

According to Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport, journeys from Saadiyat to Reem Island or the main island are expected to reduce from around 25 minutes to approximately 10 minutes once Phase One opens.

This follows other recent improvements to Reem Island access, including the new Mina Port connection opened this year, which has already reduced journey times towards the Al Maryah Island side.

Phase One is scheduled for completion in 2027

The first phase will consist of an eight-lane dual carriageway, with four lanes in each direction, running through the southern section of Saadiyat Island.

The route will pass close to established and developing areas including Saadiyat Lagoons and NYU Abu Dhabi, before continuing towards Umm Yifeenah Island.

From there, it will connect with the existing link between Khalifa Park, Eastern Mangroves and Reem Island.

The engineering works include approximately 2 kilometres of reclaimed land and a further 1.5 kilometres running underground.

This includes a 600-metre underwater section beneath Khor Laffan, reaching depths of around 11 metres.

The project will also add 4 kilometres of new walking and cycling tracks, creating part of a continuous 12-kilometre route across Saadiyat and Umm Yifeenah.

Phase Two will extend the route towards Al Raha and Khalifa City

The second phase is planned to extend the Mid-Island Parkway by a further 14.5 kilometres.

The route will continue from Umm Yifeenah through Bilrimaid and Samaliyah Islands towards Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha Beach and Khalifa City, emerging close to the former Yasmina School site.

The road will again provide four lanes in each direction.

DMT has indicated that travel along this section could take approximately seven minutes.

Once the full route is completed, the journey between Saadiyat Island and Khalifa City is expected to take less than 15 minutes.

This would provide a significantly more direct east-west connection across Abu Dhabi and improve access between several of the capital’s established and growing residential communities.

Improved access across Saadiyat, Reem and the mainland

For the residential market, improved connectivity is particularly relevant for Saadiyat Island and Reem Island.

Saadiyat continues to see significant residential, hospitality and cultural development, while Reem remains one of Abu Dhabi’s largest apartment markets and benefits from its proximity to Al Maryah Island and ADGM.

Reduced travel times between these areas will make movement between residential, commercial and business districts considerably easier.

For end users, this may influence location decisions, particularly for residents working around Al Maryah, ADGM or central Abu Dhabi while considering homes on Saadiyat.

The same applies to residents on Reem who regularly travel towards Saadiyat, Al Raha or Khalifa City.

Infrastructure remains one factor in property decisions

Improved road access can strengthen the practical appeal of a location, but infrastructure alone does not determine property values.

Pricing will continue to depend on wider market conditions including supply, demand, project quality, developer reputation, unit specifications, views, payment plans, rental demand and competing stock.

However, accessibility remains an important consideration, particularly for end users.

Shorter and more direct journeys can improve the day-to-day practicality of a location and may influence how buyers compare different communities.

This is particularly relevant for Saadiyat, where a significant pipeline of new residential development is expected over the coming years.

As more homes, hotels and commercial spaces are delivered, continued investment in transport infrastructure will be important in supporting the island’s long-term growth.

The Mid-Island Parkway is one of the key infrastructure projects contributing to that expansion.