Dubai , May 17 , 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 80% of Al
Khaleej Street Tunnel Project, which extends 1,650 metres from the end
of Infinity Bridge ramp in Deira to the intersection of Al Khaleej Street and
Al Wuheida Street. It features three lanes in each direction and has a
capacity of up to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
The project is being implemented in line with the directives of leadership,
to complete the phases of Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project,
keep pace with ongoing development along the corridor, and meet the
needs of population growth.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board
of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said: “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. The corridor extends 13 km along Sheikh Rashid
Street, Al Mina Street, Al Khaleej Street and Cairo Street, and includes the
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development of 15 intersections. It serves several key residential
communities and development projects, most notably 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 project includes the construction of a 1,650-metre
tunnel with three lanes in each direction, providing free-flow traffic
movement between Infinity Bridge and Deira, and vice-versa. It also
includes converting roundabouts on Cairo Street and Al Wuheida Street
into signalised intersections, carrying out improvements on Cairo Street,
and connecting the ramp from Dubai Islands to the new tunnel on Al
Khaleej Street towards Al Mamzar. The project serves Abu Hail, Al
Wuheida and Al Mamzar, in addition to development projects including
Dubai Islands, Waterfront Market and Al Hamriya Port.”
Works Completed
To accelerate progress and complete the project in line with the approved
schedule in the fourth quarter of this year, 14 teams are currently working
around the clock on excavation support works. These include the
construction of retaining walls using secant piles for deep excavations, as
well as sheet piles for medium-depth excavations.
Four additional teams are continuing tunnel excavation works around the
clock, achieving a daily output of 5,000 to 6,000 cubic metres, which is set
to rise to 8,500 cubic metres per day in the next phase.
The project contractor has completed the first phase of structural works for
the tunnel structure over a length of 890 metres, representing 65% of total
works. Work is continuing on the second phase, which extends 760
metres. Tunnel wall cladding has also begun, in parallel with road paving
and widening works, the installation of lighting and traffic signal systems,
rainwater drainage and irrigation networks, and utility diversion and
protection works within the project area.
The project has achieved a major milestone, completing nearly 8 million
work hours since its launch while maintaining the highest occupational
safety standards, with no lost-time injuries recorded. This reflects the
accelerated pace of delivery and the efficiency of operations management
in line with the approved schedule, supported by 1,591 engineers,
technicians and workers and 221 machinery and equipment deployed
across work sites.
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Artistic Spaces
As part of the Dubai Tunnels initiative, Al Khaleej Street Tunnel will be
transformed into a cohesive artwork that enhances Dubai’s aesthetic and
urban landscape and reinforces the presence of art across the emirate’s
vital facilities and infrastructure, reflecting the city’s modern character and
visual identity.
Created by Emirati artist Maryam Hathboor, the design draws on a style
inspired by banknote illustrations, portraying Dubai’s skyline through fine
lines and rich detail. It reflects the commercial value of the area
surrounding the tunnel and Dubai’s architectural identity, while also
highlighting the emirate’s economic and development standing. The
artwork will extend across the tunnel mural, showcasing prominent new
additions to Dubai’s skyline, including Infinity Bridge. Its details will
gradually unfold as users move through the tunnel, offering a dynamic and
interactive visual experience that expresses Dubai’s progress and
innovation, while reflecting the city’s ability to integrate art into urban
spaces in a creative way.
The tunnel mural will be created in mosaic, a technique selected for its
efficient installation, durability and longevity, helping preserve the quality
and sustainability of the artwork over the long term.
Underway
RTA completed Al Shindagha Corridor works in Bur Dubai in 2025 and is
currently undertaking a project to provide direct entry and exit points for
Dubai Islands from the Bur Dubai side. The project includes the
construction of a bridge across Dubai Creek in the area between Infinity
Bridge and the Port Rashid development project area. The bridge extends
approximately 1,425 metres, with four lanes in each direction and a total
capacity of around 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
The bridge rises 18.5 metres above the water level of Dubai Creek and
features a 75-metre-wide navigational channel, allowing various types of
vessels to pass through the Creek. The project also includes a dedicated
pedestrian and cycling track connecting both ends of the bridge, equipped
with two lifts to facilitate the movement of its users. It also covers the
construction of at-grade roads extending approximately 2,000 metres to
provide connectivity with the existing road network on both Dubai Islands
and Bur Dubai sides.
