Sharjah opens first phase of Al Taawun Interchange on route to Dubai

Sharjah opened the first phase of a road project connecting it with Dubai on 4 November. Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi inaugurated the works. This stage brings Al Taawun Interchange into partial use, along with a number of new bridges and junctions.

Drivers can now use a one-way route that leads from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Expo Centre Sharjah. The timing matches the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, held at the venue from 4 to 15 November. The new links are meant to absorb extra traffic around the centre across the 12 days of the event.

The interchange forms part of a Dh750 million programme that Sheikh Sultan announced in June. The programme covers upgrades to main roads and junctions between Sharjah and Dubai. These include Al Taawun Roundabout, Al Khan Street and the connections to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Al Taawun Tunnel is a central part of the plan. Its design provides three lanes for each direction of travel. Gulf News reported that the tunnel could shorten waits by up to 85 per cent when it is fully running. Completion is scheduled for February 2027.

For people commuting between the two emirates, and for visitors going to the book fair, the new links are intended to ease congestion. Those who plan to drive to Sharjah can look at options in the DoBy car catalogue.

Gulf News reported the details, and Khaleej Times also covered the opening.