Dubai: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 80% of the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project, which 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. It features three lanes in each direction and has a capacity of up to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the project is being implemented in line with the directives of leadership to complete the phases of the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, keep pace with ongoing development along the corridor, and meet the needs of population growth. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, emphasized the significance of the construction of Al Khaleej Street Tunnel as part of the larger Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project. This corridor, stretching 13 km along Sheikh Rashid Street, Al Mina Street, Al Khaleej Street, and Cairo Street, includes the development of 15 intersections and serves key residential communities and development projects.
Al Tayer noted that the tunnel project involves the construction of a 1,650-metre tunnel with three lanes in each direction, facilitating free-flow traffic movement between Infinity Bridge and Deira. It also involves converting roundabouts on Cairo Street and Al Wuheida Street into signalised intersections and connecting the ramp from Dubai Islands to the new tunnel on Al Khaleej Street towards Al Mamzar. This initiative serves areas such as Abu Hail, Al Wuheida, and Al Mamzar, along with development projects like Dubai Islands and Waterfront Market.
To ensure timely completion, 14 teams are working continuously on excavation support works, including the construction of retaining walls and sheet piles. Additionally, four teams are focusing on tunnel excavation, with plans to increase daily output in the coming phases.
The project contractor has made significant progress in structural works, completing the first phase over a length of 890 metres, which accounts for 65% of the total works. The second phase, extending 760 metres, is underway, along with tunnel wall cladding, road paving, lighting, and utility installations.
The project has achieved a milestone of nearly 8 million work hours without any lost-time injuries, supported by 1,591 engineers, technicians, and workers, along with 221 machinery and equipment. As part of the Dubai Tunnels initiative, the tunnel will feature artwork by Emirati artist Maryam Hathboor, showcasing Dubai's skyline through a mosaic mural.
RTA completed Al Shindagha Corridor works in Bur Dubai in 2025 and is currently working on providing direct access for Dubai Islands from the Bur Dubai side. This involves constructing a bridge across Dubai Creek, extending approximately 1,425 metres with a capacity of around 16,000 vehicles per hour, and includes pedestrian and cycling tracks.
