Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) opened the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel on Sunday as part of the latest phase of the Shindagha Corridor Development Project.
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 Wahda Street. It has three lanes in each direction and a total capacity of 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
The project is being implemented in line with the leadership’s directives to continue developing Dubai’s road network and infrastructure to keep pace with the emirate’s rapid urban and population growth. It aims to improve traffic flow and connectivity between residential and commercial areas and development projects, while facilitating the movement of residents and visitors and enhancing quality of life.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said: “The opening of the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel comes as an extension of the Shindagha Corridor Development Project, which is one of the most important strategic infrastructure projects for the road network in Dubai. It embodies the Authority’s keenness to complete the development of the main traffic axes, enhance the integration of the road network, and provide sustainable traffic solutions that accommodate the continuous growth in vehicle traffic, keep pace with the urban and economic renaissance that the Emirate is witnessing, and support Dubai’s objectives in providing a safe, smooth and sustainable transportation system.”
He added: “The opening of the tunnel represents a qualitative addition to the road network in the Deira area, which is witnessing rapid urban and commercial expansion, especially with the development of new urban projects and residential and tourist destinations, such as the Abu Hail, Al Wahida and Al Mamzar areas, in addition to development projects, most notably Dubai Islands, the Waterfront Market and Hamriya Port.
“The project contributes to enhancing the flow of traffic on Al Khaleej Street, and providing free traffic for those coming from the Infinity Bridge towards Deira and Al Mamzar and vice versa, in addition to improving the connection between residential areas, commercial centres and tourist destinations, and facilitating access for residents and visitors to various destinations, which enhances the attractiveness of the area, supports economic and commercial activity in it and raises the quality of life.”
Al Tayer said the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel is an essential part of the Shindagha Corridor Development Project, which extends for 13km along Sheikh Rashid Street, Port Street, Al Khaleej Street and Cairo Street.
The project involves the development of 15 intersections and serves several key residential areas and major development projects, including Dubai Islands, Dubai Waterfront, Dubai Maritime City and Port Rashid.
It is estimated to serve about one million people. Once the corridor development is completed, travel time is expected to fall from one hour and 44 minutes to 16 minutes by 2030, improving traffic flow and road network efficiency while saving users time and effort.
Smooth traffic flow
The project included the construction of the 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. The tunnel has a total capacity of 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
The project also included converting the roundabouts on Cairo Street and Al Wahda Street into signalised intersections, carrying out traffic improvements on Cairo Street and connecting the bridge ramp from Dubai Islands to the new tunnel on Al Khaleej Street towards Al Mamzar.
These improvements are intended to enhance traffic flow and facilitate access to residential and development areas, while supporting economic and tourism activity and improving connections between existing communities and new urban developments.
Occupational safety
The project has recorded nearly 11 million working hours since its launch without any injuries, reflecting the occupational safety standards maintained during construction.
A total of 2,200 engineers, technicians and workers participated in the project, supported by 350 pieces of heavy and light machinery and equipment at the worksites.
The project also reused 77 per cent of material excavated during tunnel construction, equivalent to about 522,000 cubic metres, in projects belonging to RTA and other entities.
Art spaces
As part of the “Dubai Tunnels” initiative, the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel will be transformed into an integrated artwork designed to enhance Dubai’s aesthetic and urban landscape and incorporate art into the emirate’s infrastructure.
The design by Emirati artist Maryam Al Hathboor depicts Dubai’s skyline using a drawing style inspired by banknotes, with precise lines and detailed elements reflecting the commercial significance of the area surrounding the tunnel and Dubai’s urban identity.
The tunnel mural features prominent additions to Dubai’s skyline, including Infinity Bridge. Its details are gradually revealed as motorists travel through the tunnel, creating a dynamic visual experience intended to reflect Dubai’s development and innovation and the integration of art and infrastructure.
The mural was created using mosaic technology, selected for its durability and ability to preserve the artwork over the long term. Around 36 million mosaic pieces were used.
Shindagha Corridor development
RTA completed development works on the Shindagha Corridor in the Bur Dubai area in 2025 and is currently developing a direct entrance and exit for Dubai Islands from the Bur Dubai side.
The project includes a bridge across Dubai Creek between Infinity Bridge and the Port Rashid development area. The bridge will be approximately 1,425 metres long, with four lanes in each direction and a total capacity of about 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
The bridge will stand 18.5 metres above the water level of Dubai Creek and feature a 75-metre-wide navigation channel, allowing different types of vessels to pass through the creek.
The project also includes a dedicated pedestrian and cycling path connecting both ends of the bridge, with two lifts to facilitate pedestrian and cyclist movement.
In addition, about 2,000 metres of surface roads will be constructed to connect the bridge with the existing road network at both the Dubai Islands and Bur Dubai ends.
Source: Emirates 24|7