Dubai Opens Al Khaleej Street Tunnel to Ease Travel Across Deira and Dubai Islands
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority inaugurated the 1,650‑metre Al Khaleej Street Tunnel on 8 November 2026, providing a six‑lane, 12,000‑vehicle‑per‑hour link between Infinity Bridge and Al Mamzar, benefitting commuters and tourists traveling across Deira, Al Mamzar and Dubai Islands.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- A new six‑lane tunnel opened linking Infinity Bridge with Al Khaleej–Al Wuheida intersection
- Timing
- The tunnel opened on 8 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Drivers, commuters and tourists moving between Deira, Al Mamzar and Dubai Islands
The details
- Announced by
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Takes effect
- 8 November 2026
- Previous rule
- Before the tunnel opened, motorists had to navigate several busy surface intersections along the Deira–Al Mamzar corridor, causing congestion and longer travel times.
- New rule
- The tunnel now provides uninterrupted traffic flow between Infinity Bridge and the Al Khaleej–Al Wuheida intersection, with a capacity of 12,000 vehicles per hour.
Project Overview
The Al Khaleej Street Tunnel stretches 1.65 kilometres and carries three lanes in each direction. It connects Infinity Bridge with the Al Khaleej Street and Al Wuheida Street intersection, creating a smoother route toward Al Mamzar. The tunnel can handle roughly 6,000 vehicles per hour per carriageway, totaling 12,000 vehicles per hour.
- Length: 1,650 metres
- Lanes: six total, three each way
- Capacity: 12,000 vehicles per hour
Construction and Sustainability
Construction involved 2,200 engineers, technicians and workers, using about 350 pieces of machinery. Nearly 11 million working hours were logged without reported injuries. Approximately 522,000 cubic metres of excavated material were removed, with 77 % reused in other infrastructure projects, highlighting the RTA’s focus on resource efficiency.
- Excavated material reused: 77 %
- Workforce: 2,200 personnel
- Machinery used: 350 pieces
Tourism and Travel Impact
The tunnel’s strategic location improves access to key tourism zones such as Deira, Al Mamzar, Dubai Islands and the Waterfront Market. By removing surface intersections, travel times are expected to shorten, aiding hotels, destination managers and transport operators in planning more efficient itineraries. Full corridor benefits, including a projected reduction of journey times to 16 minutes by 2030, will unfold as remaining upgrades are completed.
- Improved connectivity to Dubai Islands and Waterfront Market
- Supports more predictable multi‑stop itineraries
- Part of Al Shindagha Corridor project aiming for 16‑minute trips by 2030
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers can now use the tunnel for a faster, uninterrupted route between Infinity Bridge and Al Mamzar.
- Tour operators may adjust schedules to reflect reduced congestion on the Deira–Al Mamzar corridor.
Cost and documents
- No new fees or permits are required to use the tunnel.
- Vehicle registration and standard road‑use documents remain unchanged.
What you need to do
- Drivers should follow tunnel signage for the new route when travelling between Deira and Dubai Islands.
- Tourism businesses should update transport maps and guest information to include the tunnel.
Who this affects
-
Private car drivers in Dubai
The tunnel provides a new high‑capacity road link that replaces several surface intersections.
What to do Use the tunnel for faster travel between Infinity Bridge and Al Mamzar.
-
Tour operators and excursion providers
Improved road connectivity affects itinerary planning for visits to Deira, Al Mamzar and Dubai Islands.
What to do Adjust route plans to incorporate the tunnel for reduced travel times.
-
Hotel guests traveling within Dubai
The tunnel shortens journeys between major accommodation districts and tourist attractions.
What to do Consider the tunnel when arranging transfers or self‑driven trips.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel open?
The Al Khaleej Street Tunnel opened on 8 November 2026, as announced by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority.
What is the capacity of the new tunnel?
The tunnel can handle about 12,000 vehicles per hour, with three lanes in each direction.
Does the tunnel affect travel between Deira and Dubai Islands?
Yes, the tunnel creates a direct, high‑capacity link that reduces the need to navigate busy surface intersections, improving travel between Deira, Al Mamzar and Dubai Islands.
Are there any new fees for using the tunnel?
No additional fees or permits are required; standard vehicle registration and road‑use regulations continue to apply.
How will the tunnel impact tourism itineraries?
Tour operators can expect smoother transfers and potentially shorter travel times, allowing more efficient multi‑stop tours across Dubai’s commercial and waterfront districts.
