Abu Dhabi is stepping up its infrastructure plans, with a new road project set to cut a 25-minute journey to just 10 minutes and billions of dirhams earmarked for power, water and district cooling networks. The announcements were made around LIVEX 2026, where the emirate showcased major projects aimed at improving mobility, liveability and long-term growth.
New Abu Dhabi Road Will Cut 25-Minute Journeys To 10 Minutes
خلال فعاليات “ليفكس” 2026، استعرضت سميرة ذياب من قطاع دعم المشاريع الاستراتيجية في دائرة البلديات والنقل الأثر الاستراتيجي للمرحلة الثانية من مشروع طريق الجزر الوسطية للسعديات.
ويأتي المشروع ضمن شبكة متكاملة من الطرق والأنفاق والجسور، بما يوفر مسارات بديلة ويعزز الترابط وسهولة التنقل في مختلف أنحاء أبوظبي.
— دائرة البلديات والنقل (@AbuDhabiDMT) October 1, 2026
The first phase of Abu Dhabi’s AED 2.85 billion ($776 million) Mid-Island Parkway is expected to be completed in 2027. The eight-lane dual carriageway will connect the northern Saadiyat interchange on the E12 with the southern end of Saadiyat Island and Umm Yifeenah Island Central Interchange.
The project is designed to provide a more direct route between Saadiyat Island, Reem Island and Abu Dhabi’s main island. Once open, journeys that currently take around 25 minutes are expected to take just 10 minutes.
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The first phase includes new road connections, 2km of reclaimed land and a 600-metre underwater tunnel beneath Khor Laffan. It will also include walking and cycling tracks, creating a 12km active-mobility route. By providing a more direct connection and reducing the need to rely on existing city routes, the project is expected to significantly cut travel times.
The wider Mid-Island Parkway will eventually extend for 14.5km, linking Umm Yifeenah Island with Bilrimaid and Samaliyah Islands, Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha Beach and Khalifa City.
AED 250 Billion Investment Announced At LIVEX
Mobility was only one part of Abu Dhabi’s wider plans showcased at LIVEX 2026. The emirate is committing AED 250 billion over the next 10 years to expand its power, water and district cooling networks. The investment is expected to support rising demand as new communities, hospitals, schools, universities and neighbourhoods develop.
LIVEX also highlighted more than AED 100 billion worth of projects and initiatives across sectors including residential communities, mobility, public spaces, services and facilities. The second phase of Abu Dhabi’s Lifestyle Strategy alone has been allocated AED 42 billion for new projects.
Other infrastructure plans include projects designed to improve connections between islands, expand public spaces and strengthen transport networks. The emirate is also using artificial intelligence, data and digital planning tools to identify where new infrastructure can have the biggest impact on residents.
Together, the announcements show Abu Dhabi’s wider approach to growth: building infrastructure that does more than accommodate a growing population, but also saves travel time, improves access to services and supports the emirate’s next decade of development.
Cover Image Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Media Office/Website
FAQs
How much time will Abu Dhabi's new road save?
Journeys that currently take around 25 minutes are expected to come down to about 10 minutes once the road is in place.
Which areas will the new road connect, and how many vehicles can it handle?
It will link Saadiyat Island and Khalifa City via Umm Yifeenah Island. Once complete, the corridor is expected to serve up to 88,000 vehicles a day, and part of the route is already open.
What was announced at LIVEX 2026?
Projects and initiatives worth over AED100 billion were put forward across several sectors. They include AED42 billion for the second phase of the Lifestyle Strategy and a AED250 billion commitment to power, water and district cooling networks over the next 10 years.