{
  "id": 9170708,
  "title": "Al Taawun Square to reopen to traffic in time for Sharjah International Book Fair",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/al-taawun-square-to-reopen-to-traffic-in-time-for-sharjah-9170708",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T17:41:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/09/22/al-taawun-square-to-reopen-to-traffic-in-time-for-sharjah-international-book-fair/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sharjah's Al Taawun Square is set to reopen to traffic on November 4, just in time for the Sharjah International Book Fair. This move aims to enhance access to Expo Centre Sharjah and alleviate traffic congestion for the anticipated thousands of visitors. The Direct Line program revealed the details of the reopening, including a visualization of the square's layout and the traffic light-controlled junctions surrounding it. Meanwhile, the broader Al Taawun Tunnel project, aimed at reducing congestion on one of the busiest routes between Sharjah and Dubai, continues to progress. Authorities anticipate that the project could slash waiting times for motorists by up to 85%. The initial phase of the tunnel project is scheduled to commence in November 2026, with completion expected by February 2027. Al Taawun is witnessing multiple road enhancements due to the area's notorious heavy traffic during peak hours. Additionally, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, has approved plans for the Al Freish Lake in the city of Kalb. Encompassing approximately 51,200 square meters, the project boasts a storage capacity of up to 28 million gallons of water, along with 200 parking spaces to cater to visitors. \"It will be a pleasant park for children, similar to the Al Rafisah Dam project,\" stated Sheikh Dr Sultan. \"Trees are being planted on the mountain in this area, and there will be waterfalls among the trees that flow into the sea. People will be able to park their cars, walk, and enjoy a leisurely stroll in this area.\"",
  "summary": "Al Taawun Square in Sharjah will reopen to traffic on November 4 in time for the start of the Sharjah International Book Fair, authorities have announced. Opening the junction before the event is intended to improve access to Expo Centre Sharjah and ease journeys for thousands of visitors expected to attend the fair. Details of the reopening were revealed on the Direct Line programme, alongside…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Al Taawun Square to reopen to traffic in time for Sharjah International Book Fair",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/al-taawun-square-to-reopen-to-traffic-in-time-for-sharjah",
        "published": "2026-09-22T17:41:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}