Abu Dhabi is developing a major bridge network connecting Ramhan Island and Jubail Island to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway (E12). The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has confirmed that the AED 872 million project is expected to open in the second quarter of 2027. The development aims to increase road capacity, improve traffic movement and support the emirate’s growing communities.
- Location: Ramhan Island and Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
- Organisation: Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport
- Expected opening: Second quarter of 2027
- Who is affected: Residents, commuters and visitors travelling to the islands
- Project cost: AED 872 million
- What’s next: Construction of seven bridges, three tunnels and a major interchange
Abu Dhabi’s new bridge network linking Ramhan Island and Jubail Island to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway (E12) is expected to open in the second quarter of 2027. Announced by the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the AED 872 million project will include seven bridges, three tunnels and a major road interchange covering more than 166,000 square metres.
The infrastructure is designed to improve access to the two islands, increase road capacity and support Abu Dhabi’s continued urban development. The project also includes measures to reduce energy consumption and recycle construction waste, making sustainability part of the wider transport upgrade.
Seven bridges and three tunnels planned for the new road network
The project will create an integrated road interchange designed to improve connections between Ramhan Island, Jubail Island and the existing highway network.
According to Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport, the development will cover more than 166,000 square metres. Alongside the seven bridges and three tunnels, the design includes ramps, roads and utility corridors.
These components are intended to increase the capacity of surrounding roads and help vehicles move more smoothly through the area. The network will also provide improved access to the two islands, which form part of Abu Dhabi’s wider coastal development landscape.
The DMT has described the project as part of its efforts to strengthen transport links in line with the emirate’s urban and economic growth.
When will the Ramhan Island bridge network open?
The bridge network is expected to open in the second quarter of 2027, according to the DMT’s announcement on 27 October 2026.
The authority has confirmed that advanced works are underway, with the project budget set at AED 872 million. However, the announcement does not provide a precise opening date or a detailed schedule for individual construction stages.
For residents and motorists, the opening will provide an additional road connection to Ramhan and Jubail islands via E12. The practical impact on journey times will depend on traffic conditions and how motorists use the new routes once they become operational.
Until the network opens, drivers should continue to follow existing road routes and official traffic updates.
How the project fits into Abu Dhabi’s wider road expansion
The Ramhan and Jubail bridge network is one of several major infrastructure projects planned to improve connectivity across Abu Dhabi.
In March 2026, the DMT opened two marine bridges connecting Al Reem Island directly to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway. The AED 450 million development was designed to accommodate up to 7,200 vehicles per hour and reduce peak-hour journey times by up to 60%, or around 15 minutes, according to the authority.
Another major project is the Mid-Island Parkway. The DMT announced in October 2026 that the first phase of this AED 2.85 billion development is scheduled for completion in 2027. The eight-lane road will connect Saadiyat Island to the Umm Yifeenah Island Central Interchange, creating another route through Abu Dhabi’s island network.
These projects address different parts of the emirate, but share a broader objective: improving connections between residential areas, key destinations and the main road network as Abu Dhabi expands.
The new Ramhan and Jubail link will add to these efforts by providing dedicated infrastructure for access to the two islands.
Sustainability measures included in the construction
The bridge network will also incorporate environmental measures during construction and operation.
The DMT has confirmed plans to install energy-efficient LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption and minimise light pollution.
The project is also expected to recycle approximately 90% of the construction waste generated during implementation. The authority estimates that this will amount to more than 2,200 tonnes of waste.
These measures form part of the project’s environmental approach, alongside its main transport objectives. The authority has not, however, published a quantified estimate of the project’s total emissions savings or its expected long-term environmental impact.
Why it matters for Abu Dhabi residents?
Improved road access can make a practical difference to people travelling between islands and the main highway network. The new bridge system is intended to provide more capacity for motorists travelling to and from Ramhan and Jubail islands.
The project may also support businesses and future developments by improving access to the surrounding areas. The DMT has identified new development zones and economic opportunities among the project’s wider objectives, although it has not published specific forecasts for job creation or commercial growth.
For now, the main milestone to watch is the expected opening in Q2 2027. Further details on traffic arrangements, access routes and the operational launch will be important for motorists planning journeys in the area.
FAQs
1. When will Abu Dhabi’s new bridge network open?
The Ramhan Island bridge network is expected to open in the second quarter of 2027, according to the Department of Municipalities and Transport.
2. How much does the Ramhan Island bridge project cost?
The project has an estimated budget of AED 872 million and covers more than 166,000 square metres.
3. Which islands will the new bridges connect?
The network will connect Ramhan Island and Jubail Island to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway (E12), improving road access to the two islands.
4. How many bridges and tunnels will the project include?
The development will include seven bridges, three tunnels, ramps, roads and utility corridors.
5. Will the new bridges reduce traffic congestion?
The project is designed to increase road capacity and improve traffic flow. However, the DMT has not published a specific estimate of how much congestion or journey times will decrease.
What happens next?
Abu Dhabi’s AED 872 million bridge network is expected to open in Q2 2027, providing a new road connection between Ramhan Island, Jubail Island and E12. The seven bridges, three tunnels and planned sustainability measures form part of the emirate’s wider investment in transport infrastructure.
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