For many Sharjah residents, the closure of roads near Mleiha Road and the University Bridge for two months has added extra minutes to their daily commutes. However, instead of frustration, most see it as a minor sacrifice for a project that will revolutionize travel across the UAE.
The Etihad Rail network is set to be operational by 2026, with two stations already confirmed as residents eagerly await this significant infrastructure project that will connect the emirates and extend to neighboring Gulf countries.
Introduced in 2009, the network spans over 900km, promising to significantly reduce road congestion, carbon emissions, and heavy truck traffic nationwide.
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‘It doesn’t bother me’
Ahmed Al Suwaidi, who works in a government department in Sharjah and resides in the Al Siyouh suburb, mentioned that the temporary road closures have lengthened his commute in the mornings and evenings.
“I often use Mleiha Road as it’s the quickest route from my home in Al Siyouh to my office in Heera Suburbs, Sharjah. Normally, I reach the office in about 20 to 25 minutes,” said Al Suwaidi.
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Due to the closure and increased traffic on Mleiha Road, Al Suwaidi now uses the diversion through the Sharjah Ring Road. “It adds another 15 minutes for me,” he shared.
Ahmed leaves home at 7:15 am and arrives at work around 8 am. In the evenings, his return journey is also slower, especially near University Bridge, where traffic converges from various directions.
“But honestly, it doesn’t bother me. What we will gain is a lifetime of convenient train travel. This half-hour delay is nothing compared to the progress our country is making. It’s truly impressive to see the UAE’s development,” added Al Suwaidi.
Road conversions in Sharjah
Another Emirati resident, Fatima Al Hammadi, living in Al Nuh, says she barely notices the difference due to her routine of driving daily to Dubai for work.
“On weekdays, I leave home around 7 am for Dubai, spending nearly two hours in traffic daily. Compared to that, the detour in Sharjah is very minor,” she said.
When visiting her parents in Nazwa on weekends, she used to take Mleiha Road straight but now takes the diversion via the Ring Road for a few kilometers before rejoining the highway.
“Yes, there’s a slight slowdown for about three to four kilometers near the construction area, but it is manageable,” she said.
“As I’m used to traffic during Dubai’s rush hours, these minor delays don’t bother me. If this inconvenience helps build Etihad Rail, it’s definitely worth it,” added Fatima.
Weekends are a bit tough
Indian resident Sandeep Kumar, living in Al Nahda and working in Mleiha, said the diversions have made his weekend trips slightly more challenging.
“On weekdays, I leave home around 7 am to reach my office by 8 am, and the diversion isn’t much trouble. But Fridays are different,” he said.
“Fridays are when many of us in Al Nahda drive out to meet friends and family or head towards the desert. With the internal road near University Bridge closed, we go directly to Mleiha Road, and the congestion is heavy, especially after 7 pm. It easily adds 20 minutes to the trip.”
Despite this, commuters remain optimistic, focusing on the bigger picture. “Yes, it can feel tiring, especially with family in the car, but this is temporary. Once Etihad Rail is ready, it will drastically reduce travel times and make these journeys stress-free. For that, I’m happy to adjust for a few months.”
