Quick answer
- Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) says advanced works are underway on a seven bridge project linking Ramhan Island and Jubail Island to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway (E12).
- The Ramhan and Jubail bridges project also includes three tunnels plus a network of ramps, roads and utility corridors.
- The DMT puts the budget for the Ramhan and Jubail bridges at AED 872 million, covering a development area of 166,000 square metres.
- The project is expected to be completed in 2027. The DMT announcement of 27 October 2026 does not list any road closures or diversions for drivers.
Abu Dhabi has confirmed that the Ramhan and Jubail bridges, a network of seven bridges and three tunnels connecting the two islands to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway (E12), are in advanced construction and due for completion in 2027. The project matters most to drivers who use the E12 corridor and to anyone who will live, work or visit Ramhan Island and Jubail Island once the new links open.
What the DMT announced about the Ramhan and Jubail bridges
In a statement published by the Abu Dhabi Media Office on 27 October 2026, the Department of Municipalities and Transport said advanced works are now underway on a seven bridge development that connects Ramhan Island and Jubail Island to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway, the E12.
Alongside the bridges, the project includes three tunnels and a network of ramps, roads and utility corridors. According to the department, these are designed to improve road access and capacity and to help traffic move more smoothly in the surrounding area. The DMT describes the work as part of its wider effort to strengthen mobility links as Abu Dhabi grows, both in terms of new neighbourhoods and economic activity.
Eng Eisa Mubarak Almazrouei, Director General of Infrastructure Development at the DMT, said the project is an important part of the emirate’s developing transport network. He explained that it will make Ramhan and Jubail Islands easier to reach and open up new development zones and economic opportunities.
| Project detail | What the DMT says |
|---|---|
| Bridges | Seven |
| Tunnels | Three |
| Other works | Ramps, roads and utility corridors |
| Connects | Ramhan Island and Jubail Island to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway (E12) |
| Development area | 166,000 square metres |
| Budget | AED 872 million |
| Expected completion | 2027 |
| Current stage | Advanced works underway (as of 27 October 2026) |
| Waste recycled | About 90 per cent, more than 2,200 tonnes |
What it means for drivers
For motorists, the key point is that the islands will get dedicated road links onto the E12, one of the main highways in the capital. The DMT says the ramps, roads and tunnels are meant to add capacity and smooth the flow of traffic around the project, rather than simply bolt a single access road onto the highway.
The announcement does not give the number of lanes on each bridge, the length of the bridges or tunnels, or expected travel time savings. It also does not mention any lane closures, diversions or speed limit changes on the E12 while construction continues. We will update this story if the DMT or Abu Dhabi Mobility publishes those details.
The project follows other recent DMT road schemes in the capital, including the Musaffah road upgrades, as Abu Dhabi expands its road network to match new developments.
Key dates and locations
- 27 October 2026: the DMT confirms advanced works are underway.
- 2027: expected completion of the bridges, tunnels and road network. No exact opening date has been announced.
- Where: the links run between Ramhan Island, Jubail Island and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway (E12) in Abu Dhabi.
Greener construction
The DMT says the project uses energy efficient LED lighting widely, to cut power use and reduce light pollution. It also expects to recycle around 90 per cent of the project’s waste during construction, which it says is equal to more than 2,200 tonnes.
Practical tips for drivers
- Expect construction activity near the E12 around the islands until the project is completed. Follow temporary signs and lane markings in work zones.
- Check official announcements from the DMT and Abu Dhabi Mobility before you set off if you regularly use this stretch of the E12, as any closures are normally published in advance.
- Keep an eye on our UAE road closures tracker, which lists official closures and diversions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
- Do not rely on old map data once new ramps start opening. Update your navigation app so it picks up new junctions as they come into use.
FAQs
What is the Ramhan and Jubail bridges project?
It is a road project by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport that links Ramhan Island and Jubail Island to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway (E12). It includes seven bridges, three tunnels and a network of ramps, roads and utility corridors.
When will the Ramhan and Jubail bridges open?
The DMT says the project is expected to be completed in 2027. It has not announced an exact opening date, so drivers should watch for official updates.
How much does the project cost?
The project has a budget of AED 872 million, according to the DMT. The development covers an area of 166,000 square metres.
Will there be road closures on the E12 during construction?
The DMT announcement of 27 October 2026 does not mention any closures or diversions. If any are announced, they will be published by the DMT or Abu Dhabi Mobility, and we will add them to our road closures tracker.
Is the project environmentally friendly?
The DMT says it uses energy efficient LED lighting to save energy and limit light pollution. About 90 per cent of construction waste, more than 2,200 tonnes, is set to be recycled.
More for drivers: UAE Driving Guide
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