As part of the Etihad Rail Project, which aims to transform transportation across the United Arab Emirates, the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority has announced a temporary closure of major streets for two months. This initiative is expected to cause traffic diversions but also promises long-term benefits for the emirate’s connectivity and economic growth. The streets affected by the closure are those that connect Mleiha Road and Sharjah Ring Road, located near University Bridge.

The road closures will start on Tuesday, July 1, and will last until Saturday, August 30. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes and follow traffic safety guidelines to ensure safety during this period.

The Etihad Rail Project is the UAE’s national railway network, designed to link all seven emirates and connect the UAE with the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The project aims to provide a safe and efficient transportation system for both freight and passengers, significantly reducing road congestion, carbon emissions, and heavy truck traffic across the country.

Launched in 2009, the rail network extends over 1 200 kilometers and is being constructed in multiple phases. Phase 1, which has been completed, is operational in Abu Dhabi’s western region, transporting sulfur. Currently, Phase 2 is underway and will expand the network to key cities, including Dubai, Sharjah, and the northern emirates, linking ports, industrial zones, and borders with countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Sharjah plays a crucial role in the Etihad Rail network, serving as a central transit hub between the northern emirates and the rest of the UAE. This involvement includes integration with major logistics hubs such as the Sharjah Inland Container Depot (SICD), and improving connectivity with neighboring emirates like Dubai, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah.

The Etihad Rail Project is expected to enhance accessibility to Sharjah International Airport and seaports, facilitating cargo movement. For residents of Sharjah, the rail project will eventually provide faster and more eco-friendly transportation options, improving commute times between emirates and reducing reliance on personal vehicles.

The temporary road closures in Sharjah for the Etihad Rail construction reflect the emirate’s commitment to this transformative national infrastructure project.