Bridge linking UAE mainland with exclusive Abu Dhabi island completed

A bridge linking the UAE mainland with an exclusive island off the Abu Dhabi coast has been completed.

The Dh58million Aryam Bridge Interchange project is the only link connecting Aryam Island with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed international highway.

Aryam, which is located 60km from Abu Dhabi city, is around the same size as Abu Dhabi island, which lies to the east. Although it is home to a number of palaces and the Aryam Stables, owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, most of the island is barren.

Its salt flats have provided a backdrop for photographers and film-makers, according to the Abu Dhabi Film Commission.

Access to the island was previously restricted, and it is not clear if the new link the mainland will change this.

The project to build the interchange included upgrading a 12km road linking the island to the new bridge, which is located at the turn off for the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, or ICAD.

Abu Dhabi's government has worked to open up more of the emirate's islands for development.

Earlier this month, a Dh5 billion megaproject to develop Jubail Island was announced, including the construction of homes for up to 6,000 residents over six villages.

A series of other features, including landscaped walkways and cycle paths, have been designed to lure in nature and fitness enthusiasts.

And last year, Hudayriat was opened to the public, allowing campers, walkers and cyclists to venture onto the largely undeveloped island.

Lulu Island: Positioned in front of Abu Dhabi's Corniche, it's easy to forget that what you are looking at is an island and not part of the mainland, such is its close proximity. But while many of the islands around the city are undergoing development, Lulu remains largely untouched with proposals,