Sharjah’s Al Taawun Square Set to Reopen November 4 to Slash Traffic Woes
Sharjah is preparing to breathe new life into one of its most critical transit points. The redesigned Al Taawun Square is scheduled to open to traffic on November 4, 2026, providing much-needed relief to commuters facing daily congestion.
The timing of the reopening is highly strategic. By opening just as the Sharjah International Book Fair commences, authorities aim to streamline movement and facilitate easier access to the Expo Centre Sharjah for visitors and residents alike.
A Solution for Major Commuter Bottlenecks
For residents in Al Taawun, Al Khan, and Al Nahda, the area has long been a source of frustration. Ongoing tunnel construction and various traffic diversions have turned the route toward Dubai into a significant bottleneck. The new layout introduces several key features to mitigate these issues:
- New Signalized Junction: A surface-level intersection equipped with traffic lights to manage vehicle flow.
- High-Capacity Throughput: The new junction is engineered to handle approximately 4,200 vehicles per hour in each direction.
- The Al Taawun Tunnel: A massive 500-meter-long tunnel currently under construction beneath the roundabout.
The Vision: 85% Reduction in Wait Times
The centerpiece of this transformation is the three-lane tunnel designed to connect Al Taawun Street directly to the Al Nahda Bridge and onward to Dubai. Once the entire road network and the wider tunnel are fully operational, traffic experts estimate that waiting times could plummet by as much as 85%.
Part of a Dh750 Million Infrastructure Revolution
This project is not an isolated effort but a vital component of Sharjah’s massive Dh750 million road development program. This ambitious initiative consists of five interconnected projects aimed at modernizing the emirate's transport network, including:
- Upgrades to the Al Khulafa Al Rashideen intersection.
- Construction of new bridges on various industrial streets.
- Enhancements to the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road interchange.
Important Notice for Drivers
While the square itself will open on November 4, it is important to note that construction on the main tunnel and associated roadworks will continue. This means that some traffic diversions may still be in place.
The full development of the Al Taawun road network is not expected to reach total completion until February 2027. Commuters are strongly advised to:
- Monitor real-time updates from the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA).
- Utilize navigation apps to plan routes during peak hours.
- Exercise patience during the high-traffic period of the Sharjah International Book Fair.