Sharjah is moving ahead with major road and transport projects that could change daily journeys for motorists, particularly on routes connecting the emirate with Dubai.
The programme includes a new three-lane tunnel at Al Taawun Square, a major Mleiha Road interchange upgrade, safer pedestrian crossings and wider use of electric buses and AI-powered transport systems.
The most immediate development for commuters is the Al Taawun Square Tunnel, where construction is already underway. The first phase is expected to open in November 2026, with the entire project due for completion by February 2027.
Sharjah roads: what is changing for commuters?
The Al Taawun Square Tunnel is being built to improve the connection between Sharjah and Dubai and address congestion around one of the emirate’s busy traffic areas.
The tunnel will have three lanes in each direction and is designed to handle up to 4,000 vehicles per hour during peak periods.
According to the project information, the development is expected to reduce waiting times by up to 85 per cent. For people who regularly travel between Sharjah and Dubai, the aim is to make peak-hour journeys more efficient by improving traffic flow through the area.
The first phase is scheduled to open in November 2026, while full completion is expected in February 2027.
Mleiha Road project aims to halve travel time
Another major road project is taking shape at the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road/Mleiha Road intersection.
The project includes a three-lane overpass measuring about 500 metres, together with nearly 2.5 kilometres of surface roads. The estimated budget is Dhs 140 million.
For motorists heading from Sharjah city towards Maliha Road, the planned improvement is expected to reduce travel time at the intersection from around 20 minutes to nearly 10 minutes.
The project is intended to improve the movement of traffic from Maliha Road towards Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, making the intersection more efficient for drivers using the route.
New pedestrian crossings planned in Sharjah
The road programme is not limited to vehicle traffic.
The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority is also carrying out works aimed at improving pedestrian safety and traffic management at several locations.
These include new pedestrian crossings, crossing lines and three-way traffic lights on Corniche Road, in front of the Sharjah Ladies Club and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.
Similar improvements are planned on Al Mina Road, between Al Muraijah and Al Jubail.
For pedestrians, the changes are intended to provide more clearly managed crossing points while helping organise vehicle movements around these areas.
Sharjah’s transport plans
The road projects form part of a wider transport programme by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA).
The initiative also includes the introduction of electric buses, upgrades to traffic-management systems and the integration of AI-powered systems.
The broader objective is to increase public transport efficiency, reduce emissions, improve road safety and expand digital transport services as Sharjah’s traffic demand continues to grow.
For residents, that means the emirate’s transport plans are not focused solely on adding road capacity. They also include changes to public transport and digital systems alongside infrastructure improvements.
The key timeline currently provided is:
- Al Taawun Square Tunnel: First phase expected in November 2026.
- Al Taawun Square Tunnel: Full completion expected in February 2027.
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road/Mleiha Road intersection: The project is under development, but no completion date is provided in the information available.
The authority has also not provided specific dates for the pedestrian-safety works, electric bus rollout or AI-powered transport systems in the information provided.
For Sharjah residents and commuters, the biggest near-term changes are therefore the Al Taawun Square Tunnel and the Mleiha Road intersection upgrade, both designed to improve traffic movement on important routes.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
