The Roads and Transport Authority and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority have launched a new public art initiative that will transform tunnels across Dubai into large-scale artistic environments. For the first time, the city’s transport infrastructure will function as a platform for commissioned public artworks, integrating contemporary visual culture directly into everyday urban movement.
The initiative begins with 15 tunnels and is expected to expand to more than 40 locations in future phases. Accordingly, the project represents one of Dubai’s largest coordinated efforts to merge infrastructure design with public art and placemaking strategies.
The authorities also confirmed plans to involve local and regional artists in upcoming stages of the project. In a public announcement shared through official channels, the RTA invited creatives to participate in future phases, stating: “Artists interested in participating in the upcoming phases are invited to stay tuned for registration details.”
Infrastructure Meets Public Art
The first phase of the initiative has already transformed three tunnels through works created by 12 artists. Meanwhile, the second phase expanded the project to five additional tunnels featuring contributions from six artists. Further details regarding phase three and artist registration are expected to be announced by the authorities in the coming months.
Rather than treating tunnels solely as functional transit spaces, the project repositions them as immersive visual experiences capable of shaping the city’s cultural identity. Consequently, the initiative aligns with broader international trends in public art, where infrastructure increasingly serves as a site for artistic intervention and civic engagement.
The project also forms part of Dubai’s Architectural Identity initiative, a long-term framework focused on creating visual and functional coherence across bridges, tunnels, and other urban infrastructure elements. Through this strategy, the city aims to strengthen the relationship between architecture, mobility, and public space.
Part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Vision
In addition, the tunnel art initiative supports the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which prioritizes quality of life, urban aesthetics, and culturally rooted design approaches. The plan encourages infrastructure inspired by regional architectural heritage while integrating contemporary innovation into the city’s rapid urban expansion.
By introducing public artworks into high-traffic transit corridors, the collaboration between the RTA and Dubai Culture extends creative expression into spaces traditionally defined by utility and movement. At the same time, the initiative reinforces Dubai’s broader investment in cultural infrastructure and public-facing design projects.
As the program expands beyond its initial phases, the city’s tunnels are expected to evolve into recognizable urban landmarks that combine transportation, architecture, and contemporary art within the daily experience of residents and visitors alike.