Dubai RTA opens Umm Suqeim Tunnel with four lanes each way, cutting travel time from 9.7 to 3.8 minutes.
Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled the Umm Suqeim Tunnel, a new 800-metre infrastructure development designed to ease congestion and drastically reduce travel time for commuters. The tunnel, featuring four lanes in each direction, links Al Khail Road with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road—cutting travel time from 9.7 minutes to just 3.8 minutes, a 61% improvement.
Part of the larger Umm Suqeim Street Development Project, this latest enhancement boosts capacity along the route to 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. The upgraded network is expected to benefit over one million residents across Al Barsha South 1–3, Dubai Hills, Arjan, and Dubai Science Park.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of RTA, “The project enhances connectivity between four key corridors: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and Emirates Road.”
Al Tayer also highlighted RTA’s use of AI-equipped drones and smart construction tools. These innovations allowed for real-time data collection, reducing field survey time by 60% and boosting site efficiency. Time-lapse imaging technology also increased construction monitoring efficiency by 40%.
The newly opened tunnel follows prior upgrades to Umm Suqeim Street. In 2013, RTA completed two three-lane bridges and signalised intersections at Al Asayel Street and First Al Khail Road. Additionally, three pedestrian bridges were introduced for safer crossings between Al Quoz and Al Barsha.
In 2020, RTA delivered a 500-metre bridge at the entrance to Dubai Hills and Al Barsha South, also with a 16,000 vehicle-per-hour capacity, enhancing access to Dubai Hills Mall.
With the launch of the Umm Suqeim Tunnel, Dubai further advances its vision for a smarter, smoother, and more connected road network.
