UAE motorists to pay Salik, have longer commute as Sharjah closes key connecting roads

As part of the ongoing Etihad Rail project, Sharjah will temporarily close key connecting roads from July 1 to August 30. Residents who take this street, which links Mleiha Road and Sharjah Ring Road, will have to adjust for the time being. Although the closure is expected to cause short-term traffic disruptions, the initiative promises long-term benefits to the emirate’s connectivity by expanding the railway network.

Reem Alyammahi, a third-year American University of Sharjah student, regularly takes Mleiha Road to reach the cycling path nearby. She said that now she will have to find another, longer route to reach the location, which for her is “a little frustrating because the way I already take is really easy and fast and I think it’s the easiest way to the cycling spot,” she said.

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Originally from Fujairah, Reem passes over the road, which has now closed for the construction of the national railway project, to reach the university. While it will be inconvenient for her to take alternative routes amid the road closures, she said she is "very excited" about the Etihad Rail in general because it's really close to her house.

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She added, "I feel like the time commuting could be used in a better way than driving, especially longer distances between emirates.” 

She added, “As someone who studies in Sharjah and lives in Fujairah, I would find [the Etihad Rail] very helpful as it's a really important project for the UAE as a community.

Beneficial in the long run

For Maryam Al Dhaheri, an Abu Dhabi resident who commutes to her university in Sharjah often, said the Etihad Rail will be beneficial in the long run, and would cut off significant time from her travels between the two emirates. However, she echoed the sentiment that the road closures will add to the burden of traffic and longer travel times.

"Closing off these major roads would increase traffic within the city and would make the commute longer and more difficult," she said, adding that previously the route she took would help her avoid traffic.

Longer route, more Salik gates

Another commuter who has been affected, senior medical student Maitha Ibrahim, said that this road has been the most convenient and fastest way to get to work and back. “Now that it’s closed, it’s definitely going to have a big impact on me,” she said. “The alternative routes are much longer, and I’m already seeing a difference in how much time I spend commuting.”

She added that alternative routes pass through Salik, Dubai’s toll gate system, which will add a financial burden on top of the inconvenience. “It’s frustrating because I don’t really have another choice at the moment. The closed road was really the most efficient option for me,” Maitha said.

She says she would have to pay about Dh500-Dh600 extra in petrol costs per month and spend about an hour and 40 minutes on the road for each side.

Despite the temporary diversions, she said that she feels hopeful about the Etihad Rail, especially since the announcement of the passenger station, which will be located near her house.

Earlier this year, authorities announced two locations for the passenger stations, one at Sakamkam, Fujairah, and another in University City, Sharjah.

“It might offer a practical and more affordable alternative to driving, especially with the current road closures and heavy traffic. If the schedules and routes are convenient, I would definitely consider using it. The idea of avoiding traffic, saving money on Salik and fuel, and having a more relaxed commute is something I’m genuinely excited about,” Maiha added.

Etihad Rail project

The Etihad Rail is the UAE’s national railway project which will connect 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates. Currently, the project’s freight trains are operational across the UAE, but its passenger rail service is expected to launch in 2026. As reported by Khaleej Times, the passenger trains will include free Wi-Fi, charging stations and air-conditioning.

Hind Aldah

Hind Aldah covers business, tech, crypto and all that jazz for a younger audience. In her spare time, you will find her playing classical guitar, painting amateur oil paintings, or crocheting the same old scarf that leads nowhere.

hind@khaleejtimes.com