Construction of a 800-meter tunnel on Umm Suqeim Street completed by RTA, significantly boosts local connectivity, and shortens travel time by 61%.
In a significant step towards enhancing its infrastructure and addressing growing mobility demands, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has recently opened a new 800-metre tunnel on Umm Suqeim Street. The tunnel, featuring four lanes in each direction, is strategically located at the intersection of Umm Suqeim Street with Al Barsha South Street, near Kings’ School[1][2][3].
The new tunnel extends between Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and it is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, reducing travel time between these key roads by 61%, from 9.7 minutes to 3.8 minutes[3][4]. This development is part of a larger 16-km development of the Umm Suqeim–Al Qudra corridor, designed to enhance east–west connectivity with major north–south corridors: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and Emirates Road[1][2][3][4][5].
The tunnel's capacity is impressive, with the ability to accommodate 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions[1][3][4]. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for the over one million residents in surrounding communities like Al Barsha South, Dubai Hills, Arjan, and Dubai Science Park[1][4].
The Umm Suqeim Street Development Project is a priority in RTA's infrastructure strategy. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasized the tunnel's role in completing this larger development[6]. To ensure the project's success, RTA has employed advanced technology such as artificial intelligence to improve project monitoring efficiency by 40% and double on-site monitoring presence during construction[3].
This new tunnel is not the first major development in the Umm Suqeim corridor. Previously, RTA completed two other significant phases: one in 2013, which featured new bridges and pedestrian crossings, and another in 2020, which supported Dubai Hills Mall with a 500-metre bridge, also featuring four lanes in each direction[7].
In conclusion, the new tunnel on Umm Suqeim Street is a critical infrastructure upgrade aimed at easing congestion, enhancing connectivity, and supporting Dubai’s urban growth strategy[1][3][4][5]. This development reaffirms Dubai's commitment to staying ahead of mobility demands as the city continues to grow.
References: 1. Gulf News 2. Khaleej Times 3. RTA Press Release 4. Arabian Business 5. Gulf Business 6. RTA Chairman Statement 7. RTA Project Updates
The new tunnel on Umm Suqeim Street is a significant step in Dubai's urban growth strategy, facilitating development in various sectors such as transportation, finance, and industry by easing congestion and enhancing connectivity. This technical marvel, employing advanced technology for efficient project monitoring, can accommodate 16,000 vehicles per hour, catering to the surrounding communities like Al Barsha South, Dubai Hills, Arjan, and Dubai Science Park.
