News
From 104 minutes to 16: How new Dubai tunnel is set to change your daily commute
Drivers in Dubai could soon experience dramatically shorter journeys as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that the huge Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project is now 80 per cent complete.
Part of the wider Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, the development is expected to reduce travel times from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes by 2030.
One of Dubai’s biggest road projects
The giant tunnel project stretches approximately 1,650 metres, extending from the end of the Infinity Bridge ramp in Deira to the intersection of Al Khaleej Street and Al Wuheida Street.
Once completed, the project is expected to serve around one million people across several rapidly growing districts.
The tunnel includes:
- Three lanes in each direction
- Capacity for up to 12,000 vehicles per hour, both ways
- Development of 15 major intersections
Areas set to benefit
The upgraded road network will improve connectivity to several key areas, including:
- Dubai Islands
- Waterfront Market
- Dubai Maritime City
- Port Rashid
Officials say the project is designed to support population growth and keep pace with rapid urban expansion across the emirate.
Round-the-clock construction
To meet the planned completion schedule in the fourth quarter of this year:
- 14 teams are working continuously on excavation support
- Four additional teams are handling tunnel excavation works 24/7
Current excavation output stands at:
- 5,000 to 6,000 cubic metres daily
- Expected to increase to 8,500 cubic metres in the next phase
Massive safety milestone reached
The RTA also revealed the project has been completed nearly:
- Eight million work hours
- With zero lost-time injuries reported
The workforce currently includes:
- 1,591 engineers, technicians and workers
- 221 machines and heavy equipment across sites
Tunnel inspired by Dubai’s skyline
Adding a creative touch to the infrastructure project, the inside of the tunnel will feature a mosaic mural designed by Emirati artist Maryam Hathboor.
The artwork is inspired by banknote-style illustrations showcasing Dubai’s skyline, blending public art with urban engineering.
For commuters frustrated by heavy traffic, this project could eventually become one of the city’s most game-changing transport upgrades yet.
News
Crackdown on Illegal paying guests: Dubai’s new shared housing law takes effect with fines up to Dh1m
Dubai’s new legislation governing shared accommodation officially came into effect on August 26. Applying across the entire emirate, including free zones and special development zones, the comprehensive framework is designed to eliminate dangerous, overcrowded, and unauthorised partition rentals while establishing formal licensing standards for communal living.
What qualifies as shared housing?
Under the law, shared housing is defined as any residential property where individuals or families occupy private designated living spaces while sharing common facilities like kitchens, bathrooms, and dining areas.
Who is permitted to rent out shared units?
The new framework strictly bans unauthorised subletting by tenants. A primary tenant can no longer rent out individual bedrooms, partitioned spaces, or bed spaces directly to roommates or third parties.
Only the following entities can legally offer shared housing:
- Registered Property Owners: Leasing spaces directly to occupants under formal contracts.
- Licensed Management Companies: Authorised operators contracted by the owner to run and lease the property.
- Licensed Operators Subletting Master Leases: Approved commercial entities leasing an entire property from the owner to sublet authorised units to tenants.
Penalties for violations
Authorities have introduced strict financial and operational consequences for non-compliance:
- Initial Fines: Dh500 up to Dh500,000, depending on the severity of the violation.
- Repeat Violations: Fines double for repeat offences committed within one year, capped at Dh1,000,000.
- Operational Sanctions: Authorities may suspend operations for up to 6 months, revoke commercial licenses, cancel permits, disconnect utilities, seize equipment, or order the direct evacuation of non-compliant properties.
Grace period & tenant protection
- Compliance deadline: Existing shared housing operators and property owners have until August 26, 2027, to obtain permits and bring their properties into full compliance.
- Protection from sudden eviction: If an operator’s permit is suspended or cancelled, authorities can grant occupants an interim stay period to secure alternative accommodation rather than facing immediate eviction.
Approved property/resident categories
The regulation permits shared accommodation across six distinct property types:
- Residential apartments
- Detached/standalone houses
- Residential complexes
- Mixed-use buildings
- Attached / adjoining houses
- Multi-storey buildings
Permitted occupant groups include families, single men, single women, university students, government personnel, and private sector corporate employees. Corporate and student housing provided directly by employers or educational institutions does not require individual tenancy contracts.
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