
New Al Taawun Road Guide
New Al Taawun Road is the primary north-south boulevard in Sharjah, UAE, connecting the historic Creek to modern business districts and highways. It is a vital commercial and commuter corridor, lined with corporate towers, luxury malls like Al Taawun Mall, and leisure destinations, but it suffers from severe peak-hour traffic congestion. This guide details its route, key landmarks, and transportation realities.
What is New Al Taawun Road and where is it?
- New Al Taawun Road is a major multi-lane arterial road running on a north-south axis through central Sharjah. It begins near the Sharjah Creek and extends towards newer northern suburbs.
- The road serves as the primary commercial spine and a critical connector to highways like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) for Dubai commuters.
Key Landmarks and Districts Along the Route
Driving from south to north, the road passes through Sharjah's most significant modern zones.
From South to North:
- Government & Creek Area (South): Near historic dhow ports and government offices.
- Commercial Heart: The Al Taawun area, featuring the Sharjah Twin Towers and Al Taawun Mall.
- Leisure Zone: Direct access to Al Qasba (Eye of the Emirates) and Al Majaz Waterfront.
- Academic & Residential North: Provides access to University City and leads to the Al Zahia community and City Centre Al Zahia mall.
New Al Taawun Road Traffic Patterns and Congestion
Traffic flow is heavily dependent on time of day, with predictable peak congestion.
- Peak Hours: Severely congested on weekdays from 7-9 AM and 5-8 PM, especially near the Al Taawun area and the interchange with E311 to Dubai.
- Weekend Traffic: Thursday and Friday evenings experience heavy leisure traffic to malls and waterfronts.
- Best Travel Times: For clearer roads, aim for late morning (10 AM - 12 PM) or mid-afternoon (2 PM - 4 PM) on weekdays.
Public Transport and Commuting Alternatives
The road is a major public transport artery, but commuters should know their options.
- Public Buses: A primary route for Sharjah's public bus network, offering reliable service for non-time-sensitive travel.
- Key Bottleneck: The junction with E311 is a major traffic choke point during rush hours for Dubai commuters.
- Alternative Routes: For east-west travel, parallel roads like Al Wahda Road or University City Road can help bypass congested segments.
Living Near New Al Taawun Road: Pros and Cons
Choosing a residence near this corridor offers urban convenience but comes with trade-offs. Local real estate experts like Eplog offplan Properties note it appeals to a specific urban demographic.
Advantages:
- Unbeatable Connectivity: Direct access to business, leisure, and highway networks.
- Walkable Premium Amenities: Proximity to malls, fine dining, and cultural sites.
- Modern Infrastructure: Well-maintained, well-lit urban environment.
Disadvantages:
- Traffic Noise and Congestion: Constant vehicle noise and gridlock during peaks.
- Higher Cost of Living: Rental and living premiums for a central location.
- Parking Challenges: Difficult and often expensive parking in commercial districts.
For Dubai commuters, entering E311 further north via Emirates Road (E611) can sometimes avoid the worst congestion at the main New Al Taawun Road interchange, depending on your starting point.
Future Development of the New Al Taawun Road Corridor
The corridor is central to Sharjah's growth, with future development likely focusing on:
- Enhanced Public Transport: Potential for improved bus services or future metro connections.
- Continued Commercial Growth: More high-rise, mixed-use developments.
- Pedestrian Upgrades: Improved sidewalks and crossings to boost walkability between major destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: What is New Al Taawun Road in Sharjah most known for?
It is most known as Sharjah's primary commercial and business spine, home to the Sharjah Twin Towers, Al Taawun Mall, and as the main connector to leisure hubs like Al Qasba and Al Majaz Waterfront.
2: How bad is the traffic on New Al Taawun Road?
Traffic congestion is severe during weekday rush hours (7-9 AM & 5-8 PM) and on weekend evenings. The interchange with E311 heading to Dubai is a notorious bottleneck.
3: Are there good public transport options along this road?
Yes. New Al Taawun Road is a major route for Sharjah's public bus network. Buses run frequently along its length, providing a viable alternative to driving, especially for accessing malls and business districts where parking is difficult.
4: What are the main landmarks on New Al Taawun Road?
Key landmarks include the Sharjah Twin Towers, Al Taawun Mall, access points to Al Qasba and the Al Majaz Waterfront, and the roadway provides the main approach to University City.
5: Is it a good area to live near New Al Taawun Road?
It is ideal for professionals and urbanites who prioritize walkability and connectivity over peace. Apartments in areas like Al Taawun offer premium amenities but come with higher costs, traffic noise, and parking challenges.
