Sharjah Opens First Phase of Major Road Infrastructure Connecting to Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi inaugurates a transformative new network of roads, tunnels and interchanges designed to ease traffic flow between the emirates and support the emirate's continued growth.

The opening of the first phase of Sharjah’s new road links with Dubai represents a significant moment in the emirate’s infrastructure evolution. His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the project on Wednesday morning, marking the completion of carefully coordinated work across multiple agencies and sectors.

The initial phase brings into operation the partial opening of Al Taawun Interchange, alongside several bridges and junctions strategically positioned to allow one-way traffic flow from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road towards Expo Centre Sharjah. This configuration serves an immediate practical purpose, facilitating access for visitors attending the Sharjah International Book Fair, while establishing the foundations for the network’s full development.

The scope of this undertaking extends across five distinct sections, each addressing specific connectivity challenges within Sharjah’s growing urban landscape. The centrepiece is the Al Taawun Tunnel, a 560-metre passage featuring three traffic lanes in each direction, engineered to separate through traffic from local movement and designed to accommodate approximately 4,200 vehicles during peak hours. Above ground, a signal-controlled junction regulates surface traffic, creating a sophisticated separation that reduces congestion whilst maintaining continuous flow towards Dubai.

Al Khulafa Al Rashideen Interchange on Al Ittihad Road receives particular attention in the design, with two box underpasses constructed beneath a 315-metre bridge connecting to Jamal Abdul Nasser Street. Service roads and parking areas have been thoughtfully improved whilst preserving sightlines and maintaining access to surrounding commercial premises. This section alone adds capacity for approximately 2,600 vehicles per hour in both directions.

Dr Salah bin Butti Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Initiatives Implementation Authority, noted that these infrastructure improvements embody the vision of His Highness the Ruler to establish integrated systems that align with the emirate’s urban and economic trajectory. Eng. Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, emphasised that the project places people and their quality of life at its foundation, strengthening integration between vital routes and service facilities.

The completed first phase comprises approximately 9.18 kilometres of new roads, with 753 metres of bridges and 581 metres of tunnels. A comprehensive stormwater drainage network extending 19 kilometres was installed in coordination with utility authorities, ensuring infrastructure remains integrated and resilient. The work encompasses upgrades to the First and Second Industrial Streets, with new signal-controlled junctions and free-flow turning lanes designed to handle approximately 2,800 vehicles per hour during peak periods.

Particularly significant is the new road link at Third Industrial Street, which opens a direct route towards Sharjah city centre and strengthens connections between Port Khalid and industrial areas, with capacity estimated at approximately 5,200 vehicles per hour in both directions. Improvements to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road include widening to three traffic lanes, whilst selected sections of the Ring Road receive additional lanes to support smoother transitions between new and existing infrastructure.

The second phase will see the full opening of the upper-level junction at Al Taawun Roundabout and the completion of all remaining bridges and junctions. Upon full completion, the project is expected to transform connectivity across Sharjah by linking residential, commercial and industrial areas to main roads whilst significantly improving travel between Sharjah and Dubai.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

As neighbouring emirates within the UAE federation, Sharjah’s infrastructure development carries implications for broader regional connectivity. Enhanced road links between Sharjah and Dubai reduce congestion patterns that can ripple across the emirates’ shared transport networks, benefiting travellers throughout the region. Improved efficiency on these key corridors supports the seamless movement of goods and people essential to the UAE’s economic vitality.

The project exemplifies the collaborative governance model that defines the Emirates, with multiple federal and local authorities coordinating resources and expertise towards shared development goals. This institutional integration strengthens the interconnected systems upon which residents across all seven emirates depend, whether for daily commutes, commercial transport or access to essential services.

Source: WAM