Sharjah to Launch First Phase of Al Taawun Tunnel by November 2026

Sharjah is set to open the first phase of the Al Taawun Tunnel project by November 2026, in time for the Sharjah International Book Fair. The tunnel, which spans 500 metres beneath the Al Taawun Roundabout, features three lanes in each direction and connects Al Taawun Street with Al Nahda Bridge and Dubai.

This phase includes the tunnel and its connecting roads, such as routes to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street and Emirates Street. A new signalised intersection has also been constructed, designed to manage approximately 4,200 vehicles per hour in each direction during peak times. This development aims to reduce congestion around the roundabout and improve access to Expo Centre Sharjah.

The project is expected to enhance traffic flow, cut waiting times by up to 85 percent, and is scheduled for full completion by February 2027. During construction, the iconic Al Taawun Roundabout monument was temporarily removed and will be redesigned and reinstated at its original site once the tunnel is finished.

The tunnel addresses the increasing traffic demands on Al Taawun Street, a vital route linking Sharjah and Dubai. It will also provide more direct access to Expo Centre Sharjah and is planned to be part of a future transport corridor connecting to Al Noor Road.

In addition to the tunnel project, Sharjah is advancing other major road works. These include the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street-Maliha Street intersection upgrade, featuring a three-lane overpass approximately 500 metres long and nearly 2.5 kilometres of surface roads. With an estimated cost of Dh140 million, this project aims to double traffic flow efficiency and reduce travel time from central Sharjah to Maliha Road from around 20 minutes to 10 minutes.

Ongoing road maintenance efforts are also underway to enhance pedestrian safety and vehicle movement. New pedestrian crossings with marked lanes and three-phase traffic signals have been installed on Corniche Street near Sharjah Ladies Club and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, as well as on Port Street between Al Mareija and Al Jubail.