Dubai RTA Opens New Umm Suqeim Street Tunnel to Cut Travel Time by 61%

August 6, 2025 1159

Dubai RTA Opens 800-Metre Tunnel to Ease Traffic on Umm Suqeim Street

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially inaugurated a new 800-metre tunnel with four lanes in each direction along Umm Suqeim Street, marking a major milestone in the Umm Suqeim Street Development Project. The tunnel is set to dramatically improve traffic flow, enhance connectivity, and reduce travel times across one of Dubai’s busiest corridors.

Connecting Key Communities and Strategic Corridors

The upgraded road network will benefit over one million residents in communities including:

  • Al Barsha South 1, 2, and 3
  • Dubai Hills
  • Arjan
  • Dubai Science Park

By enhancing connectivity between Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, and Emirates Road, the project boosts Umm Suqeim Street’s capacity to 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

Travel time between Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road has been cut by 61%, dropping from 9.7 minutes to just 3.8 minutes.

Smart Technology in Road Construction

RTA Director General and Chairman Mattar Al Tayer highlighted the use of AI-powered drones to collect and analyse construction data in real time.

  • Survey time reduced by 60%
  • Site monitoring efficiency increased by 40% through time-lapse imaging

These innovations improved decision-making, boosted efficiency, and ensured faster project delivery.

Previous Development Phases

Phase I (2013):

  • Section from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Khail Road
  • Two bridges (three lanes each way) over eastern and western parallel streets
  • Two signalised intersections at Al Asayel Street and First Al Khail Road
  • Three pedestrian bridges for safe crossings between Al Quoz and Al Barsha

2020 Upgrade:

  • 500-metre bridge at Umm Suqeim Street’s intersection with Dubai Hills/Al Barsha South
  • Four lanes in each direction, capacity for 16,000 vehicles/hour

Impact on Dubai’s Transport Network

The newly opened tunnel not only supports Dubai’s long-term mobility plan but also ensures:

  • Smoother east-west traffic movement
  • Reduced congestion during peak hours
  • Improved accessibility for residential, commercial, and retail areas

This is part of RTA’s broader strategy to integrate intelligent transport systems and expand Dubai’s road capacity to match the city’s rapid growth.