Sharjah has partially reopened a key road between University City and the Exhibition Grounds as construction continues on roads serving the future Etihad Rail passenger station. The latest traffic arrangement, announced by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), provides two lanes in each direction while keeping a diversion towards Maliha Road in place. The changes are expected to remain until November 29, 2026.
- Location: University City, Industrial Area 17 and University Bridge, Sharjah
- Organisation: Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority
- Traffic arrangement: October 6 to November 29, 2026
- Who is affected: Motorists travelling through the construction area and nearby destinations
- Business impact: Access to businesses and services in the affected area will be maintained through designated routes
- What’s next: Road works will continue as Sharjah prepares access infrastructure for its future Etihad Rail passenger station
Sharjah reopens two lanes in each direction
Sharjah has partially reopened the road between University City and the Exhibition Grounds, with two lanes available in each direction from Industrial Area 17 through University Bridge.
The new arrangement came into effect on October 6, 2026, according to the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority.
The reopening is part of ongoing road works connected to the Etihad Rail Station Access Roads Project. The project is aimed at improving access to the future passenger station and strengthening connections with surrounding areas.
For motorists, the change means more road capacity through part of the construction zone while work continues.
How long will the new traffic plan remain?
The latest traffic arrangement is scheduled to remain in place until November 29, 2026.
However, motorists should note that the diversion towards Maliha Road will continue during this period.
SRTA has provided alternative routes for people travelling to businesses, services and other destinations around the construction area. Drivers are advised to follow the designated routes and traffic signs when passing through the affected roads.
The current plan follows an earlier phase of traffic changes introduced around the same project.
In August, SRTA announced the partial opening of the route between University City and the Institutes Land area, also providing two lanes in each direction from Industrial Area 17 through University Bridge. That arrangement was scheduled to continue until October 5.
The latest update effectively moves the road project into its next phase.
Why is Sharjah upgrading roads around the Etihad Rail station?
The road works are linked to preparations for the future Sharjah passenger station, which will form part of the UAE’s national railway network.
The station is planned near University City and is scheduled to open on March 30, 2027.
Etihad Rail has been developing passenger services to connect major cities and communities across the UAE. The Sharjah station is expected to improve access to rail services for residents, students and people travelling between Sharjah and other parts of the country.
Road access is therefore an important part of the station’s wider infrastructure. Improving nearby roads and increasing capacity can help connect the station with surrounding districts once passenger services expand.
What does the Etihad Rail station mean for University City?
The location near University City is significant because the area includes universities, colleges, residential communities and other services that generate regular daily traffic.
Etihad Rail has previously highlighted the potential of the Sharjah connection to support passenger movement, particularly among university students. The company has estimated that the Sharjah connection could contribute to around 14,000 passengers per weekday once services are fully developed.
The station will also form part of the UAE’s wider passenger rail network, which is being developed to connect major population centres, economic areas and destinations across the country.
For Sharjah, the new station could eventually provide another transport option for people travelling beyond the emirate.
More road upgrades are planned around the station
The current access-road works are part of broader infrastructure improvements in the area.
In 2025, Sharjah authorities approved plans for a 5-kilometre upgrade to the Sharjah Ring Road near the Etihad Rail station, with a reported budget of AED90 million.
The plans also included expanding the University City Bridge to four lanes, with two lanes in each direction.
These upgrades are intended to improve traffic movement around the station area and prepare the road network for future demand.
For motorists, that means construction-related diversions may continue in phases as individual parts of the wider project are completed.
The latest reopening should make travel through part of the construction area easier, while the continued Maliha Road diversion means drivers will still need to allow extra time and follow alternative routes.
The changes are particularly relevant to people travelling between University City, Industrial Area 17, the Exhibition Grounds and surrounding destinations.
For local businesses, maintaining access during construction is also important. SRTA has said that alternative routes will allow motorists to continue reaching businesses and services within the affected area.
The longer-term benefit is the road network being prepared around a major new transport connection. With the Sharjah Etihad Rail station scheduled to open in March 2027, the infrastructure being built now will play a role in how motorists and rail passengers move around the area in the future.
FAQs
When did the Sharjah road reopening take effect?
The latest traffic arrangement took effect on October 6, 2026.
How many lanes are open near the Etihad Rail station?
Two lanes are open in each direction between Industrial Area 17 and University Bridge as part of the phased road works.
When will the current traffic arrangement end?
The current arrangement is scheduled to remain in place until November 29, 2026.
Is the Maliha Road diversion still active?
Yes. The diversion towards Maliha Road remains in place, while alternative routes are available for motorists travelling through the construction zone.
When will the Sharjah Etihad Rail passenger station open?
The future Sharjah passenger station is scheduled to open on March 30, 2027, according to Etihad Rail and UAE authorities.
Sharjah’s partial road reopening gives motorists additional lanes through part of the Etihad Rail station construction zone, but the Maliha Road diversion remains active until further notice. The road works are part of wider preparations for the Sharjah passenger station, which is scheduled to open in March 2027 and add a new rail connection for residents and commuters.
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