Sharjah to open first phase of Al Taawun Tunnel ahead of November 2026 book fair

Sharjah has completed the first phase of the Al Taawun Tunnel project and its connecting roads, with routes leading towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street and Emirates Street. The first phase is expected to open in November 2026, ahead of the next edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair.

The project is designed to ease congestion in one of the emirate's busiest areas and improve connectivity between Sharjah and Dubai.

500-Metre Tunnel Under Al Taawun Roundabout

The new tunnel stretches approximately 500 metres beneath Al Taawun Roundabout and features three lanes in each direction.

It connects Al Taawun Street with Al Nahda Bridge and Dubai, providing motorists with a more direct route through the area.

The project also includes a new signalised intersection capable of handling around 4,200 vehicles per hour in each direction during peak periods.

Traffic Waiting Times Expected to Drop by 85%

The Al Taawun Tunnel is expected to significantly improve traffic movement around the roundabout and provide easier access to Expo Centre Sharjah.

Authorities expect the project to:

Improve overall traffic flow
Reduce congestion around Al Taawun Roundabout
Shorten motorists' waiting times
Improve access to Expo Centre Sharjah
Support smoother travel between Sharjah and Dubai

Waiting times are expected to decrease by up to 85 per cent once the project becomes operational.

The full project is scheduled for completion in February 2027.

Al Taawun Roundabout Monument to Be Rebuilt

Construction of the tunnel required the temporary removal of the iconic Al Taawun Roundabout monument.

The monument will be redesigned and reconstructed at its original location after the tunnel project is completed.

New Transport Corridor Planned

The tunnel project has been driven by the growing importance of Al Taawun Street as a major traffic artery connecting Sharjah and Dubai.

The underground passage is intended to address persistent congestion while improving movement through the surrounding areas.

The project will also provide more direct access to Expo Centre Sharjah and is expected to become part of a future transport corridor connecting with Al Noor Road.

Dh140 Million Sheikh Khalifa-Maliha Road Project

Sharjah is also progressing with other major road infrastructure projects, including improvements at the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street-Maliha Street intersection.

The project includes a three-lane overpass measuring around 500 metres, along with surface roads extending nearly 2.5km.

With an estimated cost of Dh140 million, the project aims to improve traffic movement at the intersection and enhance connectivity from Maliha Road towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street.

Once completed, it is expected to double traffic-flow efficiency and reduce journey times for motorists travelling from central Sharjah towards Maliha Road from around 20 minutes to approximately 10 minutes.

Pedestrian Safety Improvements Underway

Road maintenance and safety works are also continuing at several key locations across Sharjah.

The improvements include new pedestrian crossings with marked lanes and three-phase traffic signals on Corniche Street, near Sharjah Ladies Club and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.

Similar works are also being carried out on Port Street between Al Mareija and Al Jubail, helping improve pedestrian safety and vehicle movement across the emirate.