Six-Lane Tunnel in Deira to Open on This Date
Dubai’s Al Khaleej Street Tunnel—a 1.65km, six-lane marvel—will open before 2026 ends, slashing traffic and boosting connectivity.
- Publish date: Monday، 18 May 2026 Reading time: two min read
Dubai is set to open a six-lane tunnel in Deira before the end of 2026, as part of a major infrastructure push to ease one of the emirate’s busiest traffic hotspots. The Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project, a 1.65km underground route from the Infinity Bridge ramp to the Al Khaleej-Al Wuheida junction, will handle up to 12,000 vehicles per hour in each direction.
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Project Progress and Impact
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Sunday that the tunnel is now 80% complete, with teams working round-the-clock to finish excavation and critical infrastructure. The project is part of the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, one of Dubai’s largest road schemes, designed to serve 1 million residents in historic areas.
Once operational, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel times from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes by 2030, transforming connectivity for communities including Dubai Islands, Waterfront Market, Dubai Maritime City, and Port Rashid.
“The Al Khaleej Street Tunnel is a key component of the Al Shindagha Corridor Project, which will significantly improve mobility for residents and support future developments.”
— Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of RTA
Key Features and Upgrades
The project includes:
- Converting roundabouts on Cairo Street and Al Wuheida Street into signalised junctions.
- Connecting the Dubai Islands ramp to the new tunnel, improving access to Al Mamzar.
- Artistic tunnel mural designed by Emirati artist Maryam Hathboor, inspired by banknote illustrations and featuring Dubai’s skyline, including the Infinity Bridge.
- Advanced infrastructure, including lighting, drainage systems, and utility diversions.
With 1,591 engineers and workers on-site, the RTA is ensuring the tunnel meets its Q4 2026 completion target.
Broader Corridor Developments
The Al Shindagha Corridor Project also includes a new bridge across Dubai Creek, linking Infinity Bridge and Port Rashid. The 1,425-metre bridge will feature four lanes in each direction, a 75-metre navigational channel, and a pedestrian and cycling track with lifts for accessibility.
This bridge, along with the tunnel, aims to enhance connectivity between Dubai Islands and Bur Dubai, supporting the emirate’s growing infrastructure needs.