A temporary road closure will begin on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the intersection of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street and Maliha Street in Sharjah. The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has advised motorists to use designated alternative routes, follow traffic signs and allow additional time for their journeys. The diversion is linked to ongoing intersection improvement works aimed at improving traffic movement and the efficiency of Sharjah’s road network.
- Location: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street and Maliha Street, Sharjah
- Organisation: Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA)
- Status: Temporary closure starts August 16, 2026
- Who is affected: Motorists travelling through the intersection
- Business impact: Possible short-term changes to travel times for nearby businesses and deliveries
- What’s next: Drivers should follow approved diversions until normal traffic movement resumes
A Sharjah road closure will come into effect on Sunday, August 16, affecting traffic at the intersection of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street and Maliha Street. The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority has introduced the temporary diversion as part of intersection improvement works.
The change is expected to affect drivers using the busy road connection, with motorists directed towards alternative routes. SRTA has urged road users to plan their journeys ahead, follow traffic signs and allow extra time while the work is underway.
The latest diversion is also part of wider road infrastructure improvements taking place across Sharjah to improve connectivity and traffic movement.
When will the Sharjah road closure start?
The temporary closure is scheduled to begin on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
SRTA has not stated a confirmed reopening date in the information available for the latest traffic advisory. Motorists should therefore continue to follow official signs and diversion arrangements at the site until the authority announces that normal traffic movement has resumed.
Drivers travelling through the area should avoid relying on their usual route if it passes directly through the affected intersection.
The authority has also asked motorists to observe road safety instructions and use the approved alternative routes shown through traffic diversion arrangements.
Which roads are affected in Sharjah?
The traffic change is centred on the intersection of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street and Maliha Street.
This connection is important because both roads form part of Sharjah’s wider road network and link motorists to other major routes across the emirate.
For drivers who regularly commute through the area, the temporary change could mean longer journey times, particularly during busy periods. Delivery drivers, taxis and people travelling between residential and commercial areas may also need to adjust their routes.
Motorists should check the traffic signs in the area rather than attempting to pass through closed sections.
Why is SRTA carrying out the improvement works?
The latest diversion is linked to intersection improvement works designed to support smoother traffic movement and improve the efficiency of the road network.
The project fits into a broader programme of road upgrades being carried out by SRTA across Sharjah.
In May 2026, SRTA announced approval for a Dh140 million bridge project connecting Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road and Maliha Road. The authority said the project is intended to improve connectivity between major roads, enhance traffic flow and strengthen the emirate’s road infrastructure.
The project is also expected to support mobility as Sharjah continues to see urban and economic growth.
What should motorists do during the diversion?
Drivers using the affected area should plan before starting their journey.
SRTA has specifically advised road users to follow the approved diversion routes and traffic signs. A few practical steps can help reduce delays:
- Allow extra travel time, especially during peak hours.
- Follow temporary traffic signs and directions from road authorities.
- Use the designated alternative routes instead of attempting to enter the closed section.
- Drive carefully around work areas and follow posted speed limits.
- Consider avoiding the intersection if another suitable route is available.
Drivers should also avoid making sudden lane changes near diversion points, as temporary traffic patterns can change during road works.
Could the closure affect nearby businesses?
The temporary closure is primarily a traffic management measure, but nearby businesses could see short-term changes in vehicle access and journey times.
Businesses that depend on regular deliveries, taxis or customer traffic may need to account for possible delays while the diversion is in place.
However, the road improvement programme is intended to provide longer-term benefits by improving traffic flow and connectivity. SRTA has previously described its intersection and road projects as measures aimed at reducing congestion, improving road safety and increasing network efficiency.
The immediate impact is therefore expected to be mainly related to traffic movement during the construction period.
For Sharjah residents and regular commuters, the key point is simple: the usual route through this intersection will be affected from August 16.
The temporary diversion may add time to some journeys, but following the approved routes will help keep traffic moving safely around the work zone.
The wider road improvement programme could also bring longer-term benefits for motorists by improving connections between major roads and making traffic movement more efficient.
The next important update will be the authority’s announcement on when normal traffic movement can resume.
FAQs
When does the Sharjah road closure start?
The temporary closure at the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street and Maliha Street intersection starts on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Why is the intersection being closed?
The closure is linked to intersection improvement works being carried out to improve traffic flow and road-network efficiency.
Which motorists will be affected?
Drivers travelling through the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street and Maliha Street intersection will be affected and should use the designated diversion routes.
Has SRTA announced when the road will reopen?
A confirmed reopening date has not been provided in the available traffic advisory. Motorists should follow official signs and further SRTA updates.
What should drivers do during the closure?
Drivers should plan their journeys, follow temporary traffic signs, use approved alternative routes and allow additional time for travel.
The temporary Sharjah road closure at the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street and Maliha Street intersection will start on August 16 as part of ongoing improvement works. Motorists should expect changes to their usual routes and follow SRTA’s diversion instructions to avoid unnecessary delays.
The closure is part of wider efforts to upgrade Sharjah’s road network, with major projects such as the planned Dh140 million bridge connection expected to improve traffic movement in the longer term.
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