Al Taawun Tunnel: When will Sharjah’s new Dubai link open and how will it cut traffic?

Motorists traveling between Sharjah and Dubai could soon experience a significant improvement in traffic conditions, thanks to the first phase of the new Al Taawun Tunnel project. Scheduled to open in November 2026, the tunnel aims to alleviate congestion at a major bottleneck on the Sharjah-Dubai corridor. The project, which is part of a larger initiative to upgrade key traffic routes connecting the two emirates, is expected to be fully completed by February 2027.

The Al Taawun Tunnel at Al Taawun Square will ease congestion by allowing vehicles to travel underneath the junction instead of navigating through it on the surface. With three lanes in each direction and a capacity to handle around 4,000 vehicles per hour during peak periods, the tunnel is anticipated to cut waiting times for motorists by up to 85%. This development is expected to have a substantial impact on traffic flow, reducing delays and improving connectivity for commuters and residents in the vicinity.

The project involves constructing an underpass at Al Taawun Roundabout, enabling vehicles to bypass the congested junction and travel directly from Al Taawun Street towards the Al Nahda Bridge and Dubai. The wider development also encompasses connecting roads towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street and Emirates Road, further enhancing the overall traffic network. Sharjah's Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) reported in July that construction had reached 20% completion, with work proceeding around the clock.

While the tunnel is poised to bring numerous benefits to motorists, including faster journeys and reduced stop-start traffic, the iconic Al Taawun Roundabout monument was temporarily removed during the construction process. The structure, which was found to have deep-rooted foundations, was dismantled before tunnel work could commence. However, it is expected to be restored once the tunnel project is completed.