Residents welcome two new Al Maryah Island bridges

One links the island with Hamdan bin Mohammed Street on Abu Dhabi Island to the west, and the other is connected to Reem Island to the east.

Two men walk across one of the two newly opened bridges connecting Al Maryah Island to the tourist club area in Abu Dhabi. Christopher Pike / The National
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ABU DHABI // This week's opening of two bridges on Al Maryah Island has been welcomed by residents who said it would cut travel time, reduce congestion and improve the connectivity. One of the bridges links the island with Hamdan bin Mohammed Street on Abu Dhabi Island to the west, and the other to Reem Island to the east.

They complement the four existing bridges on the southern half of the island, making Al Maryah ­Island one of the most accessible islands in Abu Dhabi.

“It is now more convenient for us to drive to Al Maryah Island and onwards to the downtown area,” said Man Lung Choy, 46, a resident of Reem Island for three years.

“If you’re passing through the bridge, from Gate Tower, you’ll reach the downtown area, such as Hamdan or Electra streets, in about seven minutes. The drive to Saadiyat Island and Yas Island will also be a lot smoother and faster since we can avoid the rush-hour traffic.”

“It’s also good news, of course, for those wishing to visit The Galleria on Maryah Island for shopping, dining and entertainment.”

The marked cycle paths on the bridges that are painted green have been welcomed by residents.

Canadian expatriate Marc-André Lorrain commutes by bicycle from his home on Al Reem Island to his work on the mainland using one of the bridges that connects through Al Maryah Island.

He said he had been watching construction of the new bridges since moving to Abu Dhabi last year.

“I have been looking forward to seeing them finished,” he said. “I’ll be using them for sure.”

Al Maryah Island is a 114-hectare mixed-use development, planned and developed by Mubadala Real Estate and Infrastructure. It features the emirate’s new ­financial hub, Abu Dhabi Global Market, the Rosewood Abu Dhabi hotel and The Galleria mall, along with other residential and commercial elements.

“We look forward to seeing residents, workers and tourists benefit from the island’s improved connectivity, which will also help to further cement its position as the premier business and lifestyle destination in the capital,” said Ali Eid Al Mheiri, executive director of Mubadala Real Estate and Infrastructure.

The next phase of construction on the island’s waterfront promenade is scheduled to begin by the third quarter of this year, Mubadala said.

The promenade stretches from the soon-to-be-opened Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

rruiz@thenational.ae