New Sharjah Tunnel Project Begins: Al Taawun Diversions to Affect Dubai Commuters
By Aryan
Sharjah has started work on the **Al Taawun Tunnel Development Project**, a major road infrastructure upgrade aimed at easing traffic between Sharjah and Dubai.
The project is focused on the busy **Al Taawun Roundabout** area, one of the key commuter routes used by motorists travelling between Sharjah, Dubai and Al Nahda Bridge.
As part of the construction work, Sharjah’s Roads and Transport Authority has announced temporary traffic diversions starting from **Saturday, June 13, 2026**.
## What is the Al Taawun Tunnel project?
The Al Taawun Tunnel project is a new road development at the existing Al Taawun Roundabout in Sharjah.
The project aims to improve traffic movement, reduce congestion and raise the efficiency of Sharjah’s road network.
Once completed, the tunnel is expected to make traffic flow smoother through one of Sharjah’s busiest junctions, especially for residents who commute daily between Sharjah and Dubai.
## Why this route is important
Al Taawun is one of the busiest areas for people travelling between Sharjah and Dubai.
Many motorists use the route to access **Al Nahda Bridge**, Dubai-bound roads, Al Ittihad Street, Al Khan, Al Majaz, Al Taawun and surrounding residential communities.
Because of the heavy morning and evening traffic, the area often faces long queues, especially during school days and peak commuting hours.
The new tunnel project is expected to help reduce pressure on the roundabout and improve overall traffic movement.
## When will the traffic diversions begin?
The temporary traffic diversions will begin on **Saturday, June 13, 2026**.
Sharjah’s Roads and Transport Authority said the diversions are required to allow construction work to take place safely at the current Al Taawun Roundabout site.
Drivers using the area should plan trips in advance and expect route changes during the construction period.
## Which routes will be affected?
Motorists travelling towards **Dubai** and **Al Nahda Bridge** will be redirected through **Al Corniche Street**.
Drivers coming from **Al Nahda Bridge towards Sharjah** will be redirected to the newly developed **Al Taawun Street**, according to the approved alternative routes.
The diversion plan is designed to keep traffic moving around the construction area while minimising disruption as much as possible.
## What should drivers do?
Drivers should follow all directional signs, traffic signals and approved alternative routes around the work zone.
Motorists should also allow extra travel time, especially during peak hours, until they become familiar with the new diversion routes.
Sharjah’s Roads and Transport Authority has urged road users to comply with the temporary traffic arrangements and follow safety instructions to help maintain smooth traffic flow.
## Why the project matters for Sharjah-Dubai commuters
The Sharjah-Dubai corridor is one of the busiest daily commuter routes in the UAE.
Thousands of residents live in Sharjah and work in Dubai, making road upgrades in areas such as Al Taawun important for daily travel.
The new tunnel is expected to reduce congestion at a long-standing traffic bottleneck and improve access between key residential and business areas.
## Could diversions cause delays?
Yes, temporary delays are possible during the construction phase.
Alternative routes such as Al Corniche Street and the new Al Taawun Street may see higher traffic volumes as vehicles are redirected away from the roundabout.
Drivers should check live navigation apps, leave earlier than usual and avoid last-minute lane changes near the diversion area.
## Part of Sharjah’s wider road improvement plans
The Al Taawun Tunnel project is part of Sharjah’s wider efforts to improve transport infrastructure and road safety.
The emirate has been working on multiple road upgrades, expansions and traffic improvement projects to support population growth and increasing vehicle movement.
These projects are designed to reduce congestion, improve travel times and support smoother connections between Sharjah, Dubai and other emirates.
## What residents should keep in mind
Residents living in Al Taawun, Al Khan, Al Majaz, Al Nahda and nearby areas should expect traffic pattern changes around the project site.
People travelling to Dubai from Sharjah should check routes before leaving, especially during the first few days of the diversion.
School buses, delivery vehicles, taxis and daily commuters may also need extra time to adjust to the new traffic flow.
## Why this matters
The new Al Taawun Tunnel project is important because it targets one of Sharjah’s most congested commuter routes.
For daily drivers, the construction phase may bring temporary diversions and delays. But once completed, the project is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce bottlenecks and make travel between Sharjah and Dubai smoother.
For residents, this could mean a more reliable commute and better road connectivity in one of the emirate’s busiest areas.
## Source Credits
Information source/resource owners: Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Gulf News, The National, Gulf Today.
## Image Credits
Image credit/resource owners: Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Gulf News, The National, Gulf Today.