Government & Regulations

Sharjah Residents Adjust Daily Routines as Road Works Trigger Longer Commutes

Residents across Sharjah are beginning to adapt their daily schedules as major road improvement projects and traffic diversions lead to increased congestion across key commuting corridors.

The ongoing infrastructure works, including the Al Taawun Tunnel project and other traffic enhancement initiatives, are aimed at delivering long-term improvements to mobility and reducing congestion across the emirate. However, many commuters travelling between Sharjah and Dubai are currently experiencing significantly longer journey times, particularly during evening peak hours.

As a result, residents are exploring new strategies to manage their daily routines, including flexible work schedules, alternative travel routes, and revised after-work plans.

Commuters Explore Flexible Work Hours

Many residents said adjusting office timings may offer relief from growing congestion.

One commuter living in Buhairah and working in Dubai said his journey home recently extended to nearly two hours, considerably longer than his usual commute.

To reduce travel delays, he plans to begin work earlier and leave later to avoid the busiest periods while testing alternative routes that prioritise consistent traffic flow over shorter distances.

Commuters noted that in some cases, routes with additional traffic signals but fewer bottlenecks can lead to shorter overall travel times.

Lifestyle Changes Emerging Amid Traffic Delays

For some residents, changing traffic conditions are influencing activities beyond commuting.

A resident of Al Taawun said increased congestion has encouraged him to rethink how he spends time after work rather than immediately joining peak-hour traffic.

Instead, he plans to stay closer to his workplace for fitness activities before returning home later in the evening, hoping traffic conditions will improve by then.

The shift reflects a broader trend among commuters seeking ways to turn extended travel periods into more productive or beneficial routines.

Calls for Greater Workplace Flexibility

Several residents also expressed hope that employers may introduce temporary flexibility during the construction period.

An accountant commuting daily between Deira and Sharjah said he intends to discuss adjusted office timings with his employer to reduce time spent in traffic.

According to commuters, even relatively small schedule adjustments — such as starting work 30 minutes earlier or later — can create noticeable reductions in travel time.

Residents noted that prolonged commuting impacts not only productivity but also personal wellbeing and family time after work.

Infrastructure Projects Aim for Long-Term Benefits

While disruptions are expected to continue in the near term, many residents remain optimistic that the projects will improve mobility once completed.

Authorities have positioned the infrastructure upgrades as part of broader efforts to enhance traffic flow, improve road efficiency, and support Sharjah’s long-term urban development goals.

Until construction is completed, commuters are expected to continue adopting more flexible and adaptive travel habits to manage daily movement between Sharjah and Dubai.