Six-Lane Deira Tunnel Set to Open in Dubai in 2026

A new six-lane tunnel connecting parts of Deira is scheduled to open in the final quarter of 2026 as part of Dubai’s wider Al Shindagha Corridor Improvements programme. According to the Roads and Transport Authority, the 1.65-kilometre Al Khaleej Street Tunnel will link the ramp from Infinity Bridge to the Al Khaleej Street and Al Wuheida junction area.
The tunnel is designed to accommodate up to 12,000 vehicles per hour in each direction and forms part of a wider transport infrastructure scheme intended to serve around one million residents across historic districts of Dubai. The authority stated that the broader corridor project aims to reduce average travel times along the route from 104 minutes to 16 minutes by 2030.
Additional works linked to the project include converting roundabouts on Cairo Street and Al Wuheida Street into signalised intersections, alongside a new road connection linking the ramp from Dubai Islands to the Al Khaleej Street tunnel toward Al Mamzar. Officials said the tunnel project is currently around 80% complete.
Construction works underway include excavation, retaining wall installation, tunnel wall cladding, road widening and paving, lighting and traffic signal installation, rainwater drainage systems, irrigation networks, and utility protection and diversion works. The Roads and Transport Authority stated that 14 construction teams and approximately 1,591 engineers, technicians, and workers are currently operating across the site.
The tunnel will also feature integrated artwork by Emirati artist Maryam Hathboor, whose designs draw inspiration from banknote illustration styles and incorporate visual elements linked to Dubai’s skyline, including Infinity Bridge.