Sharjah is moving closer to easing one of its busiest routes towards Dubai with the upcoming opening of the first phase of the Al Taawun Tunnel project. The new underground route beneath Al Taawun Roundabout is expected to reduce waiting times by up to 85 per cent, benefiting thousands of daily commuters travelling between Sharjah and Dubai. The project matters because it will add capacity to a key traffic corridor and create more direct connections to major roads.
- Location: Al Taawun Roundabout, Sharjah
- Organisation: Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority and Sharjah Government
- Status: First phase expected to open in November 2026
- Who is affected: Daily commuters travelling between Sharjah and Dubai
- Business impact: Improved access to key commercial areas and Expo Centre Sharjah
- What’s next: Full project expected to be completed in February 2027
The new Al Taawun Tunnel in Sharjah is expected to significantly improve traffic flow for motorists travelling between Sharjah and Dubai, with waiting times reportedly set to drop by up to 85 per cent.
The first phase of the project, including a 500-metre underground tunnel beneath Al Taawun Roundabout, is expected to open in November 2026. The wider road development project is scheduled for completion in February 2027.
The project forms part of Sharjah’s wider efforts to improve road connectivity, increase traffic capacity and make daily journeys between the two emirates smoother.
How will the Al Taawun Tunnel improve Dubai-Sharjah traffic?
The new underground tunnel will allow motorists to bypass the busy Al Taawun Roundabout and travel along a more direct route towards Al Nahda Bridge and Dubai.
The tunnel will connect Al Taawun Street with key routes leading towards Dubai, helping reduce pressure on the existing roundabout and nearby surface-level intersections.
Traffic congestion has long been a challenge for motorists travelling between Sharjah and Dubai, particularly during morning and evening peak hours. Al Taawun Street is one of the important corridors used by commuters travelling between the two emirates.
According to the latest project details, the new route is expected to reduce waiting times by up to 85 per cent.
The tunnel will also be supported by a new signalised intersection designed to handle around 4,200 vehicles per hour in each direction during peak periods.
This additional capacity is expected to improve traffic movement across the wider Al Taawun area.
When will the first phase of the Al Taawun Tunnel open?
The first phase of the project is expected to open in November 2026, ahead of the next edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair.
The opening will include the underground tunnel and connecting roads that will improve access towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road.
The full Al Taawun road development project is expected to be completed by February 2027.
Sharjah has already introduced traffic diversions in the area as construction continues. The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority previously announced temporary road closures and diversions on Al Taawun Street to allow work on the project to progress.
Motorists travelling through the area should continue to follow road signs and official traffic updates while construction remains underway.
Where will the new tunnel connect motorists?
The 500-metre underground route will create a direct connection from Al Taawun Street towards Al Nahda Bridge and Dubai.
The wider road development will also improve connections to several major routes, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road.
According to official announcements about Sharjah’s wider road development programme, the emirate is investing heavily in improving road connections and creating more efficient links with neighbouring Dubai.
The Al Taawun project is also expected to form part of a future transport corridor connecting with Al Noor Road.
These connections could provide motorists with more route options and help distribute traffic away from already congested junctions.
Why was the Al Taawun Roundabout monument removed?
One of the most noticeable changes during construction was the removal of the iconic monument at Al Taawun Roundabout.
The structure had to be temporarily dismantled because its foundations extended deep into the ground, making it difficult to construct the underground tunnel beneath it.
However, Sharjah Ruler His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has previously reassured residents that the monument will not disappear permanently.
The monument is expected to be redesigned and rebuilt at its original location after the tunnel project is completed.
The removal of the landmark drew attention from residents familiar with the roundabout, but the project is expected to eventually restore the monument while delivering a completely redesigned road network underneath.
How does the Al Taawun project fit into Sharjah’s wider road plans?
The Al Taawun Tunnel is part of a wider road development programme aimed at improving connectivity across Sharjah and strengthening links with Dubai.
Official announcements have outlined a broader AED750 million road development programme, covering several major infrastructure projects across the emirate.
The wider plan includes road improvements, new bridges, tunnels and expanded connections designed to increase capacity and reduce congestion.
Another major project is the development of the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street and Maliha Street intersection. The project includes a three-lane overpass stretching around 500 metres, along with surface roads extending nearly 2.5 kilometres.
The Dh140 million project is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce travel times for motorists travelling from central Sharjah towards Maliha Road.
Sharjah has also expanded capacity on Emirates Road, opening two additional lanes on a five-kilometre stretch towards Wadi Al Amardi.
The expansion increased the road from six to eight lanes and is expected to raise capacity while reducing peak-hour journey times.
Together, these projects highlight the growing focus on improving road infrastructure as Sharjah’s population, commercial activity and daily commuting volumes continue to increase.
For UAE residents, the Al Taawun Tunnel could bring practical changes to one of the most frustrating parts of the daily Dubai-Sharjah commute.
Who benefits?
Daily commuters travelling between Sharjah and Dubai are expected to benefit the most. Residents living in Sharjah and working in Dubai, along with motorists travelling in the opposite direction, could experience smoother traffic movement once the new route opens.
What changes?
Motorists will have an underground route beneath Al Taawun Roundabout, allowing them to bypass the busy surface-level junction.
The project will also add road capacity and improve access to major highways and destinations such as Expo Centre Sharjah.
Construction is continuing, with the first phase expected to open in November 2026. The wider project is scheduled for completion in February 2027.
Until then, motorists should expect continued traffic management measures and diversions in parts of the Al Taawun area.
FAQs
When will the Al Taawun Tunnel open?
The first phase of the Al Taawun Tunnel project is expected to open in November 2026. The full project is scheduled for completion in February 2027.
How much will the Al Taawun Tunnel reduce waiting times?
The project is expected to reduce waiting times by up to 85 per cent, according to the latest reported project details.
Where is the Al Taawun Tunnel located?
The tunnel is being built beneath Al Taawun Roundabout in Sharjah.
Where will the tunnel lead?
The underground route will connect Al Taawun Street towards Al Nahda Bridge and Dubai, with wider connections towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road.
Will the Al Taawun Roundabout monument return?
Yes. Sharjah authorities have previously confirmed that the monument is expected to be redesigned and rebuilt at its original location after the tunnel project is completed.
The Al Taawun Tunnel is set to become an important addition to Sharjah’s road network, particularly for residents who regularly travel between Sharjah and Dubai.
With the first phase expected to open in November 2026, the project could offer a major improvement for motorists using one of the busiest corridors between the two emirates.
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