Abu Dhabi continues to lead the way in infrastructure innovation. With the official opening of the Umm Yifeenah Bridge, the city has taken a significant step toward building a smarter, greener, and more connected urban landscape. This new development, along with the launch of the Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport, is helping the capital evolve into a city built for the future.
The Umm Yifeenah Bridge, inaugurated on February 9, 2025, is one of the most important road projects in recent years. It stretches across a key section of Abu Dhabi, providing a direct connection between Umm Yifeenah Island, Al Reem Island, and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street. This bridge is not just a new road — it’s a strategic addition to the city’s long-term urban development plan.
As Abu Dhabi grows, so does the number of vehicles on its roads. Until recently, commuters traveling between Al Reem Island and the mainland faced regular delays, especially during peak hours. The Umm Yifeenah Bridge eases this pressure by offering an alternative route that significantly reduces travel time and traffic bottlenecks in busy areas.
The bridge is part of a 36,089-foot (11-kilometer) superhighway, which serves as Phase 1 of the Mid-Island Parkway Project. This larger initiative is designed to connect east and west Abu Dhabi, allowing smoother movement between major residential and commercial zones such as Saadiyat Island, Al Raha Beach, and Khalifa City.
In line with Abu Dhabi’s vision for sustainable urban growth, the bridge was built to support more than just cars. It features:
Dedicated pedestrian walkways
Cycling lanes for commuters and leisure riders
Bike rental stations placed at key access points
These features promote healthier, greener mobility options. They also encourage residents to shift toward more sustainable transport habits, reducing reliance on cars and lowering carbon emissions.
The Umm Yifeenah Bridge meets the highest standards of safety and design. Its structure includes modern traffic management systems, smart lighting, and emergency lanes. These elements ensure that the bridge can handle high traffic volumes while keeping drivers and pedestrians safe.
Moreover, the route is equipped to manage future demand, especially as nearby areas like Al Reem Island and Umm Yifeenah Island continue to attract new residents, retail spaces, and offices.
The bridge is just one part of a much larger plan — the Mid-Island Parkway Project, which is set to reshape Abu Dhabi’s entire road network by 2028. Once complete, it will create a continuous link between key zones, ensuring residents and businesses can move efficiently across the city.
This project also supports the capital’s ability to absorb population growth while maintaining a high quality of life. Faster commutes mean less time in traffic, better air quality, and more productive days for citizens.
While the Umm Yifeenah Bridge transforms ground transport, the Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport is doing the same for air travel. Officially opened on December 2, 2023, the terminal reflects the UAE’s commitment to world-class infrastructure.
Built with an investment of AED 10.8 billion (USD 2.94 billion), the terminal can serve up to 45 million passengers per year, or roughly 11,000 passengers per hour. It replaces Terminals 1 and 2, while Terminal 3 now serves overflow during peak seasons.
The new terminal includes:
Smart check-in systems
Biometric security screening
Automated baggage handling
Expansive duty-free and retail zones
Before opening, over 17,000 staff were trained in partnership with Etihad Aviation Group to ensure smooth operations from day one.
Both the Umm Yifeenah Bridge and Midfield Terminal are aligned with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan and UAE Vision 2021 and 2050. These national plans prioritize sustainable development, smart cities, and efficient infrastructure.
By investing in major transport projects like these, Abu Dhabi is creating a city that supports long-term growth, reduces congestion, and improves quality of life for its residents.
For those living in Abu Dhabi — and those visiting or investing — these infrastructure upgrades offer real benefits:
Shorter commutes and smoother travel
Easier access between key districts
Better airport experiences
More eco-friendly transport options
Abu Dhabi is clearly preparing for the future, with smart projects that balance technology, sustainability, and human comfort — one bridge and one terminal at a time.
