Transport

Abu Dhabi has reached significant milestones across its air, land and sea transport, with more on the near horizon. The Midfield Terminal Building, which will facilitate higher visitor numbers, was scheduled to commence operations by the end of 2020, though this timeline was established before the Covid-19 pandemic broke out. Alongside the new terminal, the launch of two new low-budget airlines is set to make Abu Dhabi a more affordable travel destination. Within the emirate the green light has been given to key infrastructure projects that aim to improve the flow of traffic on road networks. In addition, the second phase of Etihad Rail’s network will start taking shape, increasing interconnectivity within the UAE for passengers and freight. Meanwhile, past investments in the development of Abu Dhabi’s seaports saw substantial increases in container traffic and cruise liner visits in 2019, with further growth anticipated in the long term. This chapter contains interviews with Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport; Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, Acting CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports; and Tony Douglas, CEO, Etihad Airways.