Inside Dubai’s Al Khaleej Street Tunnel project: How it will transform daily commutes
Designed with three lanes in each direction, the tunnel will accommodate up to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions once operational
18 May, 2026
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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 80 per cent of the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project, marking a major milestone in one of the emirate’s largest ongoing road infrastructure developments aimed at easing congestion and supporting rapid urban growth.
The tunnel project extends 1,650 metres from the end of the Infinity Bridge ramp in Deira to the intersection of Al Khaleej Street and Al Wuheida Street. Designed with three lanes in each direction, the tunnel will accommodate up to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions once operational.
The development forms a key part of the wider Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, a strategic road network initiative intended to improve traffic flow across several of Dubai’s busiest districts and support future population growth.
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According to a WAM report, the project is being implemented in line with the directives of Dubai’s leadership to complete the phases of the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project and meet the demands of the city’s expanding urban landscape.
Major corridor project to transform connectivity
Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said the tunnel represents a critical component of a wider transport transformation currently under way across Dubai.
“The construction of Al Khaleej Street Tunnel forms part of Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, one of the largest projects currently being undertaken by RTA,” Al Tayer said.
He explained that the corridor stretches 13 kilometres along Sheikh Rashid Street, Al Mina Street, Al Khaleej Street and Cairo Street, and includes the development of 15 intersections. The corridor serves several major residential communities and development projects, including Dubai Islands, Waterfront Market, Dubai Maritime City and Port Rashid.
“The project is estimated to serve one million people and reduce journey time from 104 minutes to 16 minutes by 2030,” Al Tayer added.
The ambitious infrastructure plan is expected to significantly improve mobility across key areas of old and new Dubai while reducing travel times and enhancing traffic efficiency for residents, visitors and commercial transport.
Round-the-clock construction efforts
To maintain momentum and ensure completion within the approved schedule during the fourth quarter of this year, the RTA has deployed extensive resources across the project site.
Currently, 14 teams are working around the clock on excavation support works. These include the construction of retaining walls using secant piles for deep excavations, in addition to sheet piles designed for medium-depth excavations.
Four additional teams continue tunnel excavation works on a 24-hour basis, achieving daily excavation volumes ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 cubic metres. Officials said that output is expected to increase to approximately 8,500 cubic metres per day during the next phase of construction. The project contractor has already completed the first phase of structural works covering 890 metres, accounting for 65 per cent of the total structure works. Construction activities are continuing on the remaining 760-metre section.
Tunnel wall cladding has also commenced alongside road paving and widening works. Other ongoing works include the installation of lighting systems, traffic signal infrastructure, rainwater drainage networks, irrigation systems and utility diversion and protection operations throughout the project zone.
Focus on safety and operational efficiency
The RTA said the project has completed nearly eight million work hours since construction began while maintaining high occupational safety standards. No lost-time injuries have been recorded so far, highlighting what officials described as the efficiency of operations management and adherence to safety regulations despite the accelerated pace of construction.
A workforce of 1,591 engineers, technicians and workers has been deployed across the site, supported by 221 pieces of machinery and equipment operating throughout the project area. Officials said the coordinated effort reflects Dubai’s commitment to delivering major infrastructure projects on schedule while maintaining stringent safety and operational benchmarks.
Tunnel to feature large-scale public artwork
Beyond its transport function, the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel is also set to become a visual landmark under Dubai’s wider Tunnels initiative, which aims to integrate art into the city’s urban infrastructure.
The tunnel will feature a large-scale mosaic mural designed by Emirati artist Maryam Hathboor. The artwork draws inspiration from the intricate style of banknote illustrations and portrays Dubai’s skyline using fine lines and detailed compositions.
According to the RTA, the design reflects both the commercial significance of the surrounding area and Dubai’s evolving architectural identity. The mural will incorporate prominent landmarks, including the Infinity Bridge, while symbolising the emirate’s economic progress and urban development.
Officials said the artwork has been designed to create a dynamic visual experience, with details gradually revealing themselves as motorists move through the tunnel. The mosaic technique was selected for the installation due to its durability, longevity and ease of maintenance, ensuring the artwork remains sustainable over the long term.
The initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of blending functionality, infrastructure and public art to create visually engaging urban spaces.
Dubai Islands connectivity project progresses
In parallel with the tunnel works, the RTA is continuing development projects aimed at improving access to Dubai Islands from the Bur Dubai side.
The authority confirmed that works in Bur Dubai under the Al Shindagha Corridor project were completed in 2025. Attention has now shifted toward constructing direct entry and exit points linking Dubai Islands with the mainland.
A new bridge is currently under development across Dubai Creek between the Infinity Bridge and the Port Rashid development area. The bridge will extend approximately 1,425 metres and include four lanes in each direction, with a total capacity of around 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
Rising 18.5 metres above the water level of Dubai Creek, the structure will also feature a 75-metre-wide navigational channel to allow marine traffic to pass through the creek without disruption. The project further includes a dedicated pedestrian and cycling track connecting both ends of the bridge. Two lifts will also be installed to facilitate movement for pedestrians and cyclists.
Additionally, approximately 2,000 metres of at-grade roads are being constructed to connect the bridge with the existing road network on both Dubai Islands and the Bur Dubai side. The combined projects are expected to reshape connectivity across several strategic districts while supporting future development and tourism growth within the emirate.
