Sharjah to complete phase one of Al Taawun Tunnel by November and whole project by February 2027

The Emirate of Sharjah is enhancing its roads and transportation system to ease the daily commute for its residents. This initiative encompasses infrastructure projects, upgrades to traffic management, the introduction of electric buses, and the integration of AI-powered systems.

The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) is launching an extensive range of projects that combine road and infrastructure improvements with increased public transport efficiency, reduced emissions, enhanced safety, and expanded digital services to meet the emirate's growing traffic needs.

Al Taawun Square Tunnel construction is underway to better connect Sharjah with Dubai. The tunnel will accommodate three lanes in each direction, capable of handling up to 4,000 vehicles per hour during peak times. This development aims to improve traffic flow, alleviate congestion, and shorten waiting times by up to 85%. The first phase is anticipated to open in November 2026, with full completion by February 2027.

Sharjah continues to enhance its road network through several key initiatives, notably the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road/Mleiha Road intersection project. This undertaking involves building a three-lane overpass roughly 500 meters in length, along with close to 2.5 kilometers of surface roads, with an estimated budget of Dhs140 million. The goal is to boost the intersection's efficiency and streamline traffic from Maliha Road to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. This improvement is set to significantly enhance traffic flow and cut down travel time from around 20 minutes to nearly 10 minutes for those traveling from Sharjah city towards Maliha Road.

The SRTA is also conducting maintenance projects at several crucial sites to enhance pedestrian safety and traffic management. These include constructing pedestrian crossings with crossing lines and three-way traffic lights on Corniche Road in front of the Sharjah Ladies Club and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, as well as on Al Mina Road between Al Muraijah and Al Jubail.

Additionally, the SRTA is utilising asphalt recycling technology to repair damaged road layers by reusing existing materials rather than relying solely on new ones. Since this approach was adopted in 2021, it has accelerated project timelines, allowed for the use of recycled asphalt in temporary road paving, reduced natural resource consumption, and improved maintenance efficiency.

Strategic Vision

Dr. Engineer Yousif Khamis Mohammad Alathmane, Chairman of the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), has expressed that the Authority operates under a clear strategic vision inspired by the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

These directives prioritise human development and the ongoing creation of integrated solutions to match the Emirate's urban and population growth. Alathmane emphasised a commitment to delivering high-quality projects focused on infrastructure development, road network modernization, smart solution adoption, and sustainable transport system expansion. This strategic approach is designed to offer a safer and more efficient transportation experience, improve Sharjah’s readiness for future challenges, and ensure sustainable and efficient services in alignment with top international standards. Additionally, he stressed that all SRTA projects aim to enhance traffic flow, improve quality of life, and contribute to comprehensive development, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a model of sustainable urban growth.

Developing a Sustainable Fleet

In an effort to advance sustainable transportation, Alathmane detailed the Authority's strategy to integrate natural gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles into the public transport fleet from 2017 to 2025. This endeavour is in collaboration with Sharjah Taxi, Aman Taxi, Union Taxi, and City Taxi.

The electric bus initiative launched initially with two buses and expanded significantly in 2024 with the addition of 10 new electric buses. These buses are equipped with artificial intelligence systems for operational data analysis and internal cameras to boost safety.

The fleet comprises 41 luxury tourist and semi-tourist buses, with seating capacities between 47 and 49 passengers. They are powered by engines that meet the Euro 6 emissions standard, enhancing fuel efficiency while reducing emissions and noise levels.

Additionally, there are 18 electric buses, each 9 meters long, with capacities for 33 passengers and operational ranges of 200 to 250 kilometers per charge. These buses feature zero direct carbon emissions and provide designated areas for senior citizens, families, and people with disabilities. The system also includes a 12-meter-long electric bus with a capacity for 51 passengers, offering an operational range of 300 to 350 kilometers per charge, along with a luxury tourist bus designed for 28 passengers. This bus caters to VIPs and official delegations with spacious seating and a mini meeting table.

Bus on Demand

The transportation system is being developed from fixed routes to a more adaptable model with the "Bus on Demand" project. This initiative allows users to request rides through the Bus on Demand Sharjah app or online, specifying their starting point and destination. It offers door-to-door service or designated pick-up locations, with electronic payment available for convenience. This service is particularly beneficial for areas with high population density or those not sufficiently covered by traditional bus routes.

The service operates in areas such as Muwaileh Commercial, Aljada, the University City area, Al Juraina, Al Qarain, and Al Nouf. Available daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, it uses buses equipped with safety systems and artificial intelligence technologies, ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.

Beyond providing another transportation option, the project plays a crucial role in reducing waiting times, enhancing public transport accessibility, and decreasing dependency on private vehicles for short-distance travel within its coverage zones.

Smart Cameras

The Chairman of Sharjah's Roads and Transport Authority emphasized the smart camera initiative, a crucial element in boosting safety. The project involves outfitting 131 intercity buses with 10 cameras each: four positioned externally and six internally. These devices keep track of road conditions and the bus's immediate environment, identify signs of driver fatigue or inattention, oversee passenger boarding and exiting, and document accidents or unusual events.

In a similar fashion, taxis are equipped with a system comprising five internal and external cameras. These cameras supervise road conditions, monitor driver behavior, count passengers, and identify accidents as well as any belongings left behind. Incorporating artificial intelligence technology, the system alerts drivers to such incidents, providing operators with a clearer perspective and enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

A Digital Trip

The smart transport system encompasses the pre-trip experience, featuring screens that show real-time bus arrival information at stops. These screens are connected to tracking systems to keep information current and minimize waiting times.

Users can book taxis via the SRTA app, the Sharjah Digital app, and services such as Yango, Uber, and Careem. They have the ability to track their vehicle, view the driver’s location and estimated arrival time, and rate the service. This feedback and usage data are utilized to enhance performance.

Al Juraina

Efforts have been made to enhance the infrastructure around Al Juraina, including the installation of two U-turns with a storage lane between Al Juraina 1 and the University Hospital, as well as a similar opening beneath the Sheikh Humaid bin Saqr Al Qasimi Bridge on the Yarmouk side. To improve pedestrian safety in Dibba Al Hisn, the interlocking pavement speed bumps have been updated to asphalt speed bumps for pedestrian crossings.

Further upgrades feature the replacement of flashing warning signals with three-way traffic lights on Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi Street and Fatima bint Asad Street. A new pedestrian crossing has been constructed in front of Al Mawaddah Mosque in the Al Sajaa Industrial Area. Additionally, traffic signals have been set up at the roundabout near the Holy Quran Complex, and warning signs along with road markings have been implemented in the Al Azra school area. Traffic lights are also being installed at pedestrian crossings in front of the University of Sharjah, complete with sensors to monitor traffic density for more effective traffic management.