Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport (DoT) has received bids from 14 contractors for a contract to build a series of bridges linking the Umlifaina islands to the Abu Dhabi mainland.

The estimated AED1bn ($272m) contract involves building two major bridges and three smaller crossings. The first main bridge will connect Abu Dhabi mainland to a smaller island and the second will link the smaller island to the main Umlifaina island (MEED 10:9:10).

Umlifaina islands are located near to Reem Island and Saadiyat Island – both of which are currently being developed.

The consultant for the bridges project is the Abu Dhabi office of Aurecon.

The bridges will open up the Umlifaina islands for real-estate development. Local developer Tasameem Real Estate has plans for the islands that include residential, leisure, hotel and commercial buildings. Other parts of the 5 square kilometre masterplan include a water park, shopping mall and other tourist attractions.

UK-based Atkins prepared the concept masterplan

In 2009, the local Tourism & Development Investment Company (TDIC) awarded the joint venture of the local Overseas Ast and Switzerland’s VSL the contract to build a road bridge connecting the islands of Abu Dhabi and Hudayriat. The bridge will open up Hudayriat Island, to the southwest of Abu Dhabi Island, for development.