Abu Dhabi’s Mina Tunnel reduces travel time by 40%, reveals Department of Municipalities and Transport

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has affirmed that since it was opened in 2023, the Mina Tunnel in Abu Dhabi has continued to improve mobility across the emirate, reducing travel times by 40 per cent and traffic accidents by 23 per cent.

The tunnel contributes to improving air quality in the surrounding areas, as concentrations of air pollutants have decreased by 37 per cent as a result of reduced traffic congestion and enhanced ventilation systems inside the tunnel, it said.

From an environmental perspective, the tunnel’s ability to facilitate smoother vehicle movement is expected to prevent the release of approximately 65,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050—an impact equivalent to planting three million trees, it added.

In economic terms, the project is expected to contribute Dhs1.66 billion to the gross domestic product of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, driven by construction activity and long-term productivity gains resulting from more efficient transportation.

The tunnel contributed to creating positive impacts while enhancing access to key areas, thereby enhancing business growth and stimulating commercial activity.

The tunnel is expected to save about 34 million hours of travel time by 2050, which will reflect on spending on entertainment at about Dhs130 million and wages at about Dhs1.36 billion, supporting the emirate’s development process.