The bridge from Al Bateen to the island is currently closed to the public, mainly because there’s nothing at the other end of it, except sand.

Abu Dhabi famously has a bridge that starts at Al Bateen Beach and leads, basically, to nowhere – the deserted Hudayriat Island.

Now, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council has announced it is seeking new ideas on how to develop the plot of land.

The council says it wants to develop Hudayriat over the next 20 years. They want it to feature 30km of waterfront, housing for Emiratis and beaches.

Prospective developers have been challenged to “think beyond business as usual” by the Urban Council’s executive director Abudullah Al Sahi.

“The UPC is encouraging stakeholders to push the boundaries of creative possibilities that go beyond the established norms,” he says. “While keeping the future generations in mind.”

The bridge, which was built back in 2009, cost a whopping Dhs183.6 million to make, and is the longest cable suspension bridge in all the seven emirates.

So it’s fair to say it would be a good idea to make all of the new facilities on the island just as grand.

One thing we do know is the Urban Planning Council wants the island to be accessible – they want the beach to only be a 10 minute walk away, regardless of where you’re standing.

We will of course be keeping you updated on any developments.

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