Dubai's Al Khaleej Tunnel Project targets huge cut to travel time by 2030

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 80 per cent of the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project, which is set to reduce the journey time from 104 minutes to 16 minutes by 2030.

One of Dubai’s biggest road infrastructure projects, it will eventually be extended by 1,650 metres from the end of Infinity Bridge ramp in Deira to the intersection of Al Khaleej Street and Al Wuheida Street, serving an estimated one million people.

It features three lanes in each direction and has a capacity of up to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

It also includes the development of 15 intersections, serving several key residential communities and development projects, most notably Dubai Islands, Waterfront Market, Dubai Maritime City and Port Rashid. 

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.

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. 

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 has also achieved a major milestone, completing nearly eight million work hours since its launch with no reported lost-time injuries recorded, supported by 1,591 engineers, technicians and workers and 221 machinery and equipment deployed across work sites.

The inside of the tunnel will be covered by a mosaic mural created by Emirati artist Maryam Hathboor, the design drawing on a style inspired by banknote illustrations portraying Dubai’s skyline.

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… pic.twitter.com/6wVmRn9OlD

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 17, 2026