Aerial view of a major road tunnel under construction between Sharjah and Dubai
The first phase of Sharjah’s Al Taawun Tunnel is expected to open in November 2026, cutting waiting times by up to 85 per cent.

A tunnel to cut the Sharjah–Dubai crawl

The first phase of Sharjah’s Al Taawun Tunnel project is expected to open in November 2026, offering relief to one of the most congested commuting corridors in the UAE. Authorities estimate the tunnel could cut waiting times at the junction by up to 85 per cent.

Al Taawun Roundabout is one of the pinch points every Sharjah–Dubai commuter knows. During the busiest periods — typically 7am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm — traffic from Al Ittihad Road, Al Nahda, Al Khan and the Corniche area piles up around the roundabout.

What is being built

At the centre of the project is a 500-metre underground tunnel beneath Al Taawun Roundabout, with three lanes in each direction. It will give traffic heading towards Al Nahda Bridge and Dubai a direct route underneath the junction, bypassing the surface roundabout entirely.

The tunnel is designed to handle around 4,000 to 4,200 vehicles per hour in each direction during peak periods. The first phase also includes connecting roads towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street and Emirates Road.

The wider programme — a Dh750 million development ordered by Sharjah’s Ruler and delivered by Mubadara and the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority — also includes upgraded intersections, elevated bridges and improved links across six key connection points with Dubai. Full completion is scheduled for February 2027, with the first phase timed to open ahead of the Sharjah International Book Fair.

Busy traffic on the road between Sharjah and Dubai during evening rush hour
The tunnel targets peak-hour congestion on one of the UAE’s busiest inter-emirate corridors.

What it means for visitors and commuters

For tourists, the Sharjah–Dubai corridor matters because Sharjah’s museums, souks and the Book Fair draw plenty of Dubai-based visitors — and Sharjah’s hotels are a popular budget alternative to staying in Dubai. A faster, more predictable crossing makes day trips between the emirates considerably easier.

Our guide to new lanes on the Sharjah–Dubai route and our Sharjah-to-Dubai driving guide have more detail on the commute. If you use the bus, see our note on Sharjah–Dubai bus delays.

Road works and new infrastructure on the Sharjah side of the Dubai border
The wider Dh750 million programme includes bridges, upgraded intersections and new links to Dubai.

FAQs

When will the Al Taawun Tunnel open?

The first phase is scheduled to open in November 2026, with the full project due for completion in February 2027.

How much time will the tunnel save?

Authorities estimate waiting times around the junction could fall by up to 85 per cent once through-traffic goes underground.

What does the tunnel connect?

It provides a direct underground link between Al Taawun Street and Al Nahda Bridge towards Dubai, bypassing the Al Taawun Roundabout, with connecting roads to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street and Emirates Road.

Who is building the project?

The Dh750 million programme was ordered by the Ruler of Sharjah and is being delivered by Mubadara and the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, in coordination with Sharjah Police, the municipality and utility companies.

Will it help tourists travelling between Sharjah and Dubai?

Yes — a faster, more predictable crossing makes day trips between the emirates easier, and improves access to destinations like Expo Centre Sharjah.

Sources: What’s On, The Dubai Herald, Gates Dubai (via WAM).