Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Opens a New Route Through Deira
Dubai’s Al Khaleej Street Tunnel is now open in Deira, with the Roads and Transport Authority announcing its opening on November 8, 2026. According to What's On Dubai, the 1,650-metre route connects the Deira end of the Infinity Bridge ramp with the junction between Al Wuheida Street and Al Khaleej Street.
Key facts
What: A newly opened road tunnel measuring 1,650 metres
Opening announcement: November 8, 2026
Location: Al Khaleej Street, Deira
Lanes: Three in either direction
Capacity: Up to 12,000 vehicles an hour
Areas served: Abu Hail, Al Wuheida and Al Mamzar, alongside Dubai Islands, Waterfront Market and Al Hamriya Port
Where does the tunnel take drivers?
The tunnel carries traffic between the Infinity Bridge ramp in Deira and the Al Wuheida Street junction on Al Khaleej Street. These endpoints are the key reference points for visitors checking whether the new route fits their journey.
Its purpose is to improve vehicle movement through Deira and shorten queues during busy periods. The stated hourly capacity is up to 12,000 vehicles, spread across the two directions of travel.
The road also supports access to residential and tourism areas, including Abu Hail, Al Mamzar and Al Wuheida. Dubai Islands, Al Hamriya Port and Waterfront Market are among the major developments it serves. Visitors arranging car rental in Dubai can use these locations when reviewing their planned route.
How does it fit into the wider road project?
The tunnel belongs to the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, which covers 13 kilometres of road improvements. Work spans Cairo Street and Al Khaleej Street, together with Al Mina Street and Sheikh Rashid Road.
The broader scheme includes 15 additional intersections. Roundabouts along Al Wuheida Street and Cairo Street are being replaced with junctions managed by traffic lights.
Another component connects the ramp from the Dubai Islands bridge with the tunnel in the direction of Al Mamzar. These are elements of the wider programme; the reported tunnel opening does not establish that every related improvement is finished.
What artwork is planned for the tunnel?
A mural by Emirati artist Maryam Al Habtoor is planned for the tunnel walls. It portrays Dubai’s skyline using detailed linework influenced by the illustrations found on banknotes.
The design will extend along the walls using 35 million mosaic pieces. The source describes the artwork as a forthcoming feature, without giving a completion date. Readers interested in the city’s built environment can also explore Guide of Dubai’s Dubai architecture guide.
What does this mean for visitors?
Visitors driving through this part of Deira have a newly opened route to consider when planning journeys. Check the tunnel’s endpoints against your destination, particularly for trips involving Al Mamzar, Waterfront Market or Dubai Islands.
For broader sightseeing plans, the Dubai half-day city tour guide provides another planning resource. The tunnel announcement gives no specific journey-time saving or toll information, so it does not establish a precise trip duration or cost.
Details can change; check the official announcement before you travel.
Prepared by Yasin Toktaş with AI assistance for drafting, corrections and proofreading.