Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) opened Al Khaleej Street Tunnel on November 8, 2026. 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. Moreover, it has three lanes in each direction, with a combined capacity of 12,000 vehicles per hour. The tunnel is part of Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project.
Significance of the Tunnel
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said the tunnel represents a significant addition to Deira’s road network. It will provide free-flowing traffic for motorists travelling from Infinity Bridge towards Deira and Al Mamzar and vice versa. Also, it will also strengthen connectivity between residential areas, commercial centres and tourist destinations, while keeping pace with the emirate’s urban development.
Al Tayer explained that Al Khaleej Street Tunnel is an integral component of Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project. Al Shindagha Corridor Development extends 13 km. Furthermore, it is estimated to serve approximately one million people across major developments. These developments include Dubai Islands, Dubai Maritime City and Port Rashid. He noted that completing the corridor improvements will reduce journey time from 1 hour 44 minutes to 16 minutes by 2030.
A Major Milestone for the Project
The project has achieved a significant milestone, recording approximately 11 million work hours with no injuries reported. Additionally, a total of 2,200 engineers, technicians and workers have contributed to the project. They were supported by 350 pieces of equipment and machinery. Furthermore, 77 percent of the materials excavated during tunnel construction, estimated at about 522,000 cubic metres, have been reused in other projects. Also, the works include developing signal-controlled intersections on Cairo Street and Al Wuheida Street.
Dubai Tunnels Initiative Transforms Al Khaleej Street Tunnel
Under the Dubai Tunnels initiative, Al Khaleej Street Tunnel has been transformed into an artistic mural reflecting Dubai’s urban character. Designed by Emirati artist Maryam Al Hathboor, the artwork depicts Dubai’s skyline in a style inspired by banknote illustrations, using 35 million mosaic pieces.
Lastly, RTA finished Al Shindagha Corridor development works in Bur Dubai in 2025. Currently, it is building a 1,425-metre bridge connecting Dubai Islands with Bur Dubai. The bridge will have a combined capacity of 16,000 vehicles per hour. Moreover, it will allow vessels to pass through Dubai Creek and feature a dedicated pedestrian and cycling track.
Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Factsheet
Project Name: Al Khaleej Street Tunnel (Part of the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project)
Location: Deira, Dubai, UAE (Extends from the Infinity Bridge ramp to the Al Khaleej St / Al Wuheida St intersection)
Length: 1,650 metres
Capacity: 6 lanes (3 in each direction), 12,000 vehicles per hour
Target Audience Served: 1 million residents across Dubai Islands, Dubai Maritime City, and Port Rashid
Corridor Travel Time Impact: Reduces total 13-km corridor commute from 104 minutes to 16 minutes (target year 2030)
Workforce and Safety: 11 million man-hours with zero injury incidents; 2,200 engineers, technicians, and workers; 350 machinery units
Sustainability: 77% of excavated material (522,000 m³) reused in other projects
Artistic Feature: Designed by Emirati artist Maryam Al Hathboor using 35 million mosaic pieces depicting Dubai’s skyline in a banknote-inspired style
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