(Credit - Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) X Page)
Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project Hits 80% as Deira Commuters Near Relief
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed, that the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project has reached 80% completion, bringing one of Deira’s most anticipated road upgrades within striking distance of the finish line. The 1,650-metre tunnel is engineered to push up to 12,000 vehicles per hour through one of Dubai’s most congested urban corridors , a figure that signals a fundamental shift in how traffic moves through this part of the city.
Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project: 1,650m Route Confirmed
The tunnel runs from the end of the Infinity Bridge ramp in Deira to the Al Khaleej Street, Al Wuheida Street intersection. It carries three lanes in each direction, creating a six-lane grade-separated facility beneath a stretch of road that has long been bottlenecked by surface-level junctions and signalised crossings. The project forms part of Phase 4 of Dubai’s broader infrastructure development programme , a sequenced approach that ensures new capacity feeds cleanly into the surrounding road network rather than simply relocating congestion to the next junction.
Grade separation is the core engineering principle at work here. By routing through-traffic underground, the tunnel removes the conflict points that force vehicles to slow, stop, and merge at surface intersections. Local access, deliveries, and bus movements continue at street level without being blocked by cross-city traffic passing through. The Al Khaleej Street, Al Wuheida Street intersection , currently one of the denser signal-controlled nodes in Deira , stands to see a significant reduction in peak-hour queuing once the tunnel is operational.
What This Means for Deira Drivers and Businesses
For the tens of thousands of commuters and freight operators who pass through Deira daily, the RTA’s milestone update points to faster and more predictable journey times on a corridor that connects dense residential neighbourhoods to major bridges and arterial roads feeding central Dubai. Logistics companies operating out of Deira’s commercial districts face lower idle-time costs when stop-start congestion eases. Retailers and hospitality businesses near the waterfront gain improved access for customers arriving from across the emirate , an advantage that compounds during peak seasons and large city events.
| Project Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Tunnel Length | 1,650 metres |
| Start Point | End of Infinity Bridge ramp, Deira |
| End Point | Al Khaleej Street, Al Wuheida Street intersection |
| Lane Configuration | Three lanes in each direction (six total) |
| Designed Capacity | Up to 12,000 vehicles per hour (both directions) |
| Completion Status | 80% as of May, 2026 |
| Infrastructure Phase | Phase 4 of Dubai’s road development programme |
- Corridor Role: Al Khaleej Street is a key coastal artery linking Deira’s residential and commercial zones to central Dubai and the northern waterfront.
- Traffic Relief: The tunnel removes surface conflict points, allowing through-traffic to bypass signalised intersections entirely.
- Network Integration: Phase 4 sequencing ensures the tunnel connects to adjacent road upgrades without creating new bottlenecks at entry and exit points.
- Urban Constraint Solution: Grade separation was chosen because street-level widening in built-up Deira is restricted by existing buildings, utilities, and pedestrian infrastructure.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is delivering the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel as part of the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, one of the emirate’s flagship mobility programmes aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity across Deira and Bur Dubai.
With 80% of the 1,650-metre tunnel complete as of May, 2026, the remaining construction window will determine exactly when the 12,000-vehicles-per-hour capacity comes online and how quickly journey time savings materialise. The 1.65-kilometre Al Khaleej Street Tunnel remains under construction and is expected to be completed soon, positioning it as a near-term capacity boost for one of Deira’s busiest corridors.
Emirates travel warning DXB: Summer rush at Terminal 3
Emirates Warns of Busy Summer Travel Period at DXB Terminal 3
If you're planning to depart from Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3 in the next two weeks, be prepared for a busy summer travel period. Emirates has issued a summer travel warning for passengers, expecting a surge in departures from July 3 to 5, with high volumes continuing into early July. The busiest day is forecast to be July 12, with around three million passengers expected to pass through the terminal in early July.
Travelers can expect longer queues and tighter boarding cut-offs, especially for families and passengers with checked baggage. To minimize delays, Emirates advises passengers to arrive early, use online check-in, and consider taking the Dubai Metro to the airport. This will help reduce landside congestion and make the travel experience smoother.
The summer holiday season is a peak travel period for Dubai International Airport, and Terminal 3 is one of the busiest terminals. With the expected surge in passenger volumes, it's essential for travelers to plan ahead and allow extra time for check-in, security, and boarding. By taking a few simple steps, passengers can help ensure a stress-free travel experience and make the most of their summer holiday.
As part of the Dubai government's efforts to manage peak travel periods, Emirates is working closely with the airport authorities to ensure a smooth travel experience for all passengers. The airline is also encouraging passengers to use online check-in and the Dubai Metro to reduce congestion at the terminal.
In the context of Dubai's overall aviation strategy, this summer travel warning is a reminder of the importance of planning and preparation. As the city continues to grow as a major aviation hub, managing peak travel periods will become increasingly important. By working together with airlines, airport authorities, and passengers, Dubai can ensure a world-class travel experience for all.
India Pauses WhatsApp Username Rollout
India Orders WhatsApp to Pause Username Feature Rollout
The Indian government has asked WhatsApp to pause the rollout of its planned username feature, citing concerns that it could increase online fraud and phishing. The rollout is on hold pending consultations, during which WhatsApp must justify the feature and detail safeguards against misuse.
This decision affects all WhatsApp users in India, particularly those who were expecting to use the username feature. Businesses and individuals who rely on WhatsApp for communication will need to wait until the feature is approved and implemented with adequate safeguards.
To comply with the Indian government's requirements, WhatsApp will need to:
- Submit a formal risk assessment and mitigation plan for the username feature.
- Implement anti-impersonation controls, such as handle uniqueness rules and restricted words.
- Establish a system for verified business identity to prevent scams.
- Develop a reporting and takedown process for fraudulent accounts.
- Ensure auditability for law-enforcement requests consistent with local law.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Action | India has paused the WhatsApp username feature rollout |
| Required Safeguards | Anti-impersonation controls, verified business identity, reporting and takedown process |
| Next Steps | WhatsApp must submit a formal risk assessment and mitigation plan |
Taylor Swift Wedding Rumor
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Wedding Rumors: What's Real?
People are saying that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will celebrate their wedding on Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Here's what official statements from representatives say: no confirmation has been cited, and details about the event and guest list remain unverified.
The claim that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will celebrate their wedding on Friday at Madison Square Garden is rated as Unverified. The evidence includes a report claiming the celebration will take place, but no official confirmation from Taylor Swift's representatives, Travis Kelce, or the Kansas City Chiefs has been issued. Confidence Score: Unverified.
The wedding celebration report remains unverified due to lack of official confirmation.
Bayern Munich signs Ismael Saibari in $63m deal
Bayern Munich Completes $63m Signing of Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven
Bayern Munich have signed Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven in a deal reported at $63 million. Saibari has agreed a contract running until June 2031 and will wear the No. 34 shirt. The move is set to strengthen Bayern Munich's midfield for the long term, with Saibari's contract reflecting a significant investment by the club.
The reported $63 million fee places Saibari among the higher-value midfield moves of the window, reflecting the premium top clubs pay for press-resistant, multi-role midfielders who can contribute in both buildup and final-third actions. This signing is expected to have a positive impact on Bayern Munich's squad, with Saibari's skills and experience likely to enhance the team's performance.
PSV Eindhoven's sale of Saibari continues the Eredivisie model of developing and monetizing talent to reinvest in recruitment and wages. The transfer fee will provide PSV Eindhoven with significant funds to reinvest in their squad, potentially leading to further signings and improvements.
The signing of Ismael Saibari is connected to Bayern Munich's previous efforts to strengthen their midfield, with the club having been linked to several high-profile targets in recent months. This move demonstrates Bayern Munich's commitment to investing in top talent and building a strong squad for the long term.
Etihad Rail Guide
Your Ultimate Guide to Etihad Rail Passenger Service in the UAE
As Etihad Rail's passenger service gains popularity, UAE residents are looking for a reliable guide to plan their train journeys. The National has published an "ultimate guide" to help passengers understand the end-to-end trip experience across the UAE. With this guide, you can learn how to book your tickets, what to expect at the stations, and how to make the most of your journey.
For those new to train travel in the UAE, it's essential to know the basics. Etihad Rail is the UAE's national rail network, developed to connect key population and industrial centers and shift more travel and freight from roads to rail. The guide covers practical aspects such as how to book, what ID is required at boarding, station access and parking, baggage allowances, and what to expect onboard.
If you're a frequent traveler, you'll want to know about the different stations, timetables, and ticket prices. The guide provides detailed information on these aspects, helping you plan your journey with ease. You can also learn about the onboard facilities, seating, and arrival procedures to make your journey as smooth as possible.
For employers and travel planners, the guide provides valuable insights into the predictability of train travel. With clearer expectations around station access, boarding timing, and passenger readiness, you can reduce missed departures, improve workforce punctuality, and reshape inter-emirate travel choices.
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:
- Booking: You can book your tickets online or at the stations.
- Stations: Etihad Rail has several stations across the UAE, including in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other emirates.
- Timetables: The guide provides detailed timetables to help you plan your journey.
- Ticket prices: Ticket prices vary depending on the class and destination.
- Visit the Etihad Rail website to book your tickets and check the timetables.
- Plan your journey in advance to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Arrive at the station with plenty of time to spare, and have your ID and tickets ready.
- Familiarize yourself with the onboard facilities and seating to make the most of your journey.
