There is a new way out of Al Reem Island, and commuters noticed it right away.
Two marine bridges now link the island directly to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway — also known as E12. For anyone driving between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Al Reem Island bridges change how the journey starts. No extra loops through busy streets. No long waits at the same junctions.
The project cost AED 450 million and was opened on 20 March 2026 by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). Its focus is straightforward: making daily drives smoother for the thousands of residents who rely on this route.
A More Direct Way Out Of Al Reem Island
The new bridges give drivers a clean route from Al Reem Island straight to E12.
The project includes two marine bridges stretching about 1.5 kilometres, supported by 12 V-shaped piers that allow vessels to pass beneath, along with a 2 km elevated roadway. Together they cover more than 25,000 square metres of surface area and create a continuous link that avoids the inner-city routes that used to slow everything down.
Pedestrian and cycling tracks — also running 2 km — are built into the design, giving residents more options for getting around the area.
For residents, the difference shows up the moment they leave the island.
Shorter Drives During Busy Hours
The time saved becomes clear during peak traffic.
Trips between Al Reem Island and E12 now take up to 15 minutes less during busy periods — a 60 per cent reduction in journey time. That is a noticeable shift for anyone making this drive daily.
The bridges can handle up to 7,200 vehicles per hour, which helps ease the pressure on roads that previously carried most of the traffic, including Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street and Mina Road.
For drivers heading toward Dubai, the Abu Dhabi commute now feels more straightforward from the very first turn.
Easier Access to Key Destinations
The new route also opens better access to several important areas.
Drivers can reach Saadiyat Island more directly, and there is improved connectivity toward Zayed Port as well. A dedicated U-turn bridge for freight traffic near the port keeps movement efficient for transport vehicles without mixing with commuter flow.
With Al Reem Island home to a large and growing number of residents, smoother access plays a significant role in keeping daily routines manageable.
Part Of A Bigger Plan For The Capital
Abu Dhabi continues to expand its road network to support long-term growth.
The capital's layout includes several island districts, so road links and bridges are central to how people move around. His Excellency Eng Eisa Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Director General of Infrastructure Development at DMT, said the project ensures "seamless mobility across Abu Dhabi" while upholding "best-in-class design and sustainability standards."
Construction required approximately 5 million manhours and 35,000 cubic metres of concrete, making it one of the more substantial infrastructure deliveries in the capital in recent years.
This update is one piece of a wider effort to improve mobility across Abu Dhabi.
For drivers starting their journey from Al Reem Island, the change is immediate. A more direct route, less time in traffic, and easier access to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway all come together in one upgrade — whether the destination is Saadiyat Island, Zayed Port, or Dubai.
