A newly opened tunnel along Dubai’s Umm Suqeim Street is now cutting travel time by more than half—reducing the average trip from 9.7 minutes to just 3.8.
The 800-meter tunnel, featuring four lanes in each direction, is part of the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) broader Umm Suqeim Street Development Project. Running from Al Khail Road to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, the upgrade aims to significantly improve connectivity for over one million residents in communities like Al Barsha South, Dubai Hills, Arjan, and Dubai Science Park.
“This project enhances connectivity between four strategic corridors in Dubai… and reduces travel time by 61%,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA.
Designed to handle up to 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions, the tunnel is a key component of a 4.6-kilometer redevelopment that also includes a signalised surface-level intersection near Kings’ School. The entire corridor links east-west and north-south routes across the city, spanning from Jumeirah Street to Emirates Road.
To streamline construction, RTA deployed drones and AI technology to monitor progress and improve decision-making, cutting survey time by 60% and boosting monitoring efficiency by 40%.
This latest opening follows earlier phases of development, including two major bridges built in 2013 and a 500-meter bridge completed in 2020 for Dubai Hills Mall access. All these elements come together to form a highly integrated network aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and improving road safety across Dubai.
