RTA opens 1650-Metre Al Khaleej Street Tunnel with Three Lanes in Each Direction

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) opened Al Khaleej Street Tunnel today, Sunday. The 1,650-metre tunnel extends from the end of the Infinity Bridge ramp in Deira to the intersection of Al Khaleej Street and Al Wuheida Street. It features three lanes in each direction, with a combined capacity of 12,000 vehicles per hour.

The opening marks another milestone in Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, in line with the directives of the leadership, to continue developing Dubai’s road network and infrastructure to keep pace with the emirate’s rapid urban and population growth. The project will enhance traffic flow, strengthen connectivity between residential and commercial areas and major developments, facilitate mobility for residents and visitors, and improve quality of life.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said: “The opening of Al Khaleej Street Tunnel marks further progress on Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project, one of Dubai’s major strategic road infrastructure projects. It reflects RTA’s commitment to completing the development of key road corridors, strengthening integration across the road network, and delivering sustainable traffic solutions that accommodate continued growth in vehicle volumes, keep pace with the emirate’s urban and economic development, and support Dubai’s objectives of providing a safe, seamless and sustainable mobility system.”

Al Tayer added: “The tunnel represents a significant addition to Deira’s road network, an area experiencing rapid urban and commercial expansion, particularly with the development of new residential and tourism destinations, including Abu Hail, Al Wuheida and Al Mamzar, as well as major developments such as Dubai Islands, Waterfront Market and Al Hamriya Port.

“The project will enhance traffic flow along Al Khaleej Street, provide free-flowing traffic for motorists travelling from Infinity Bridge towards Deira and Al Mamzar and vice versa, and strengthen connectivity between residential areas, commercial centres and tourist destinations. It will also facilitate access for residents and visitors, enhance the area's appeal, support economic and commercial activity, and improve quality of life.”

Al Tayer explained that Al Khaleej Street Tunnel is an integral component of Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project, which extends 13 km along Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Mina Street, Al Khaleej Street and Cairo Street. The project includes the development of 15 intersections and serves several key residential areas and major developments, most notably Dubai Islands, Dubai Waterfront, Dubai Maritime City and Port Rashid. The project is estimated to serve approximately one million people.

He noted that completing the corridor improvements will reduce journey time from 1 hour 44 minutes to 16 minutes by 2030, reflecting the project's positive impact on traffic flow and road network efficiency, while saving time and effort for road users.

Improved Traffic Flow
The project includes a 1,650-metre tunnel with three lanes in each direction, providing free-flowing traffic for motorists travelling from Infinity Bridge towards Deira and vice versa, with a combined capacity of 12,000 vehicles per hour.

The works also include converting the roundabouts on Cairo Street and Al Wuheida Street into signal-controlled intersections, implementing traffic improvements along Cairo Street, and connecting the bridge ramp from Dubai Islands to the new Al Khaleej Street Tunnel towards Al Mamzar.

These improvements will enhance traffic flow, facilitate access to residential areas and major developments, support economic and tourism activities, and strengthen connectivity between existing neighbourhoods and new urban developments.

Occupational Safety and Sustainability
The project has achieved a significant milestone, recording nearly 11 million work hours since construction began, with the highest occupational safety standards maintained and no injuries reported. This reflects the efficiency of site operations management and adherence to the approved project schedule.

A total of 2,200 engineers, technicians and workers have contributed to the project, supported by 350 pieces of heavy and light equipment and machinery deployed across the construction sites.

In addition, 77% of the materials excavated during tunnel construction, estimated at approximately 522,000 cubic metres, have been reused in projects undertaken by RTA and other entities. This initiative supports resource efficiency, reduces construction waste and reinforces sustainable construction practices.

Artistic Spaces
Under the Dubai Tunnels initiative, Al Khaleej Street Tunnel will be transformed into an integrated work of art, enhancing Dubai’s urban landscape and strengthening the presence of art across the emirate’s key infrastructure and public facilities. The initiative reflects the city's urban character and modern visual identity.

Designed by Emirati artist Maryam Al Hathboor, the artwork depicts Dubai’s skyline in a style inspired by banknote illustrations. Fine lines and intricate details reflect the commercial significance of the surrounding area and Dubai’s architectural identity, while highlighting the emirate’s economic standing and development.

The mural will extend along the tunnel walls, showcasing prominent new landmarks on Dubai’s skyline, including Infinity Bridge. As motorists travel through the tunnel, the artwork's details will gradually unfold, creating a dynamic visual experience that reflects Dubai’s development and innovation while bringing art and infrastructure together.

The mural will be executed using mosaic techniques, selected for their efficiency, durability and long service life, helping preserve the artwork's quality over time. A total of 35 million mosaic pieces have been used to create this artistic installation.

Completing Al Shindagha Corridor Improvements
RTA completed Al Shindagha Corridor development works in Bur Dubai in 2025 and is currently constructing a direct entry and exit connection between Dubai Islands and Bur Dubai.

The project includes a bridge spanning Dubai Creek between Infinity Bridge and the Port Rashid redevelopment area. The bridge will extend approximately 1,425 metres, with four lanes in each direction and a combined capacity of around 16,000 vehicles per hour.

Rising 18.5 metres above the waters of Dubai Creek, the bridge will provide a 75-metre-wide navigational channel, allowing various types of vessels to pass beneath it.

The project also includes a dedicated pedestrian and cycling track linking both ends of the bridge, equipped with two lifts to facilitate access for pedestrians and cyclists. Approximately 2,000 metres of at-grade roads will also be constructed to connect the bridge to the existing road network on both the Dubai Islands and Bur Dubai sides.