A popular underpass used by cyclists near the Last Exit roundabout on Al Qudra Road in Dubai has been given a new name, paying tribute to Emirati wildlife.
The underpass, which is about 100 metres from the roundabout on Seih Assalam Road, will now be known as the Houbara Tunnel.
The name is a reference to the Houbara bustard, a bird that has special significance in Emirati culture, Dubai government officials said.
The tunnel was built to allow cyclists to pass underneath and avoid disturbing the birds, which were indigenous to the area.
Mattar Al Tayer, director general of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, said the renaming reflected the emirate's commitment to wildlife and nature conservation, as well as sustainable development.
“The tunnel constitutes part of the 135km Al Qudra cycling track, one of the most important cycling tracks in Dubai," he said.
“Serving Seih Assalam, Al Qudra, Global Village and Al Barari communities, the new path provides opportunities to cycle in Dubai’s natural environment. The track is designed to enable people to cycle at various speeds.”
The underpass was built with the safety of cyclists in mind, facilitating free movement in both directions from Seih Assalam Road to Al Qudra cycling track.
Dubai has 420km of cycling tracks, including 135km in Al Qudra alone. The RTA has plans to extend that to 668km by 2025.
