Abu Dhabi is planning to develop another island off the coast, in its bid to make the capital a city of islands connected by dozens of bridges and tunnels.

Initial studies have begun into the development plans for Hudayriat Island, a spit of land just off the south-west coast of Abu Dhabi Island.

The southern part of the island has been designated for housing for Emiratis, according to the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030.

The land will be 'significantly expanded to the south and cut through by canals, with a transition to mangroves along its outer edges', the master plan says.

The National