Sharjah-Dubai traffic: New tunnel could cut waiting times by 85%
Sharjah: Sharjah is preparing to open the first phase of the Al Taawun Tunnel in November 2026, part of a wider push to ease one of the emirate’s busiest routes towards Dubai and cut waiting times for motorists by as much as 85 per cent. The tunnel, being built at Al Taawun Square, will have three lanes in each direction and capacity for about 4,000 vehicles an hour during peak periods. The…
Sharjah is set to inaugurate the first phase of the Al Taawun Tunnel in November 2026, as part of efforts to alleviate traffic congestion between Sharjah and Dubai. The tunnel, located at Al Taawun Square, will consist of three lanes in each direction, capable of accommodating approximately 4,000 vehicles per hour during peak hours. The project, anticipated to be fully finished by February 2027, is projected to slash waiting times by up to 85 percent, according to Al Khaleej newspaper.
The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) aims to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion between Sharjah and Dubai, thereby creating a more direct route through Al Taawun towards Al Nahda and Dubai. As of July, the tunnel construction had advanced to 20 percent completion, with work continuing round the clock.
This tunnel development is part of a broader initiative to upgrade critical traffic corridors between Sharjah and Dubai. Earlier this year, Sharjah announced plans to enhance infrastructure around Al Taawun, Al Khan, and several major intersections leading towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, with the first phase slated for opening in November.
In parallel, Sharjah is investing in other major road projects. For instance, an upgrade of the intersection between Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street and Mleiha Road is underway, featuring a three-lane bridge costing Dh140 million. This project is expected to improve traffic flow towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and reduce travel times from central Sharjah to Mleiha.
SRTA Chairman Yousif Khamis Al Othmani emphasized Sharjah's comprehensive transport strategy, which integrates road development, smart systems, and sustainable public transport, with quality of life at the core of infrastructure planning. The authority is also increasing the use of recycled asphalt to expedite construction and decrease raw material consumption.
Moreover, Sharjah is advancing its public transport sector. The city's fleet now incorporates electric, hybrid, and natural-gas vehicles, while electric buses are equipped with artificial-intelligence systems to analyze operational data for improved safety. Sharjah is also expanding its Bus on Demand service, allowing passengers to request rides through an app instead of adhering to fixed routes.
This service caters to areas like Muwaileh Commercial, Aljada, University City, Al Juraina, Al Qarain, and Al Nouf, with the goal of improving access in neighborhoods not served by traditional bus lines.
The use of artificial intelligence is also being applied within buses and taxis. Intercity buses are fitted with cameras to monitor road conditions and vehicle interiors, detecting driver fatigue or distraction. Taxi cameras can observe driving behavior, passenger counts, incidents, and forgotten items. Sharjah is experiencing significant traffic diversions due to ongoing upgrades, with the Emirates Road project in Dubai nearing 30 percent completion, having already cut journey times by 65 percent.
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