If you’re driving in or between Dubai and Sharjah over the next few weeks, take note, major road diversions are in place due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

Dubai: Umm Al Daman Underpass Diversion

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a temporary diversion at the Umm Al Daman Underpass on Dubai–Al Ain Road, starting Friday, June 28. The closure will last for two months as the RTA carries out essential upgrades to rainwater and groundwater drainage systems, as well as road resurfacing, to improve driving conditions.

Alternative Route:
Motorists heading towards Dubai are advised to use the Umm Nahad Bridge (Intersection 4), where a U-turn has been set up to maintain smooth traffic flow.

The RTA is urging all drivers to plan ahead, follow posted signs, and allow extra travel time during the diversion period.

Sharjah: Al Intifadah Road Closure

Meanwhile, in Sharjah, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has begun the first phase of a major infrastructure development project, resulting in the closure of a key section of Al Intifadah Road (toward Al Corniche Road) from Friday, June 27, to Sunday, July 27.

The closure is part of Sharjah’s long-term plan to upgrade roads and enhance traffic flow in high-density areas.

Detours in Place:
Traffic will be diverted via Jamal Abdul Nasser Street and nearby internal roads in Al Majaz 2. SRTA has posted detailed maps of the alternative routes on its official social media platforms.

Drivers are encouraged to:

• Follow all traffic signs and instructions around the area.
• Avoid the affected roads where possible.
• Use pre-announced alternate routes to prevent congestion.

For live updates and detour maps, commuters can check the SRTA website or scan the QR code posted around the affected area.

An Indian expat living in Dubai has won Dh150,000 in the latest Big Ticket Abu Dhabi weekly e-draw, part of Series 276.

Naushadh Chathery, a 37-year-old driver from Kerala, struck lucky in the weekly raffle. He has been living and working in Dubai for the past 15 years while his family remains back home in India.

Win 20 Years in the Making

Chathery has been participating in Big Ticket for two decades, sometimes solo, sometimes with a group of friends. For this draw, he opted for the popular ‘Buy 2, Get 4 Free’ bundle with 10 friends, and it was one of the free tickets that clinched their win.

Chathery said that the group plans to split the prize, and he will save his share. His eyes are now firmly set on the grand prize of Dh25 million.

Countdown to Dh25 Million Grand Draw

The Dh150,000 prize comes ahead of the grand finale on July 3, when one lucky winner will walk away with Dh25 million. On the same day, three others will win Dh75,000 each as part of the e-draw series.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.bigticket.ae or at counters at Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.

Abu Dhabi Police are reminding motorists to take advantage of generous discounts on traffic fines if they pay early.

Under the ongoing “Take the Initiative and Benefit” campaign, drivers can get a 35% discount on fines if they settle them within 60 days of issuance. After that, a 25% discount still applies, but only for non-serious violations.

Easy, Digital Payments

To make things easier, the fines can be paid through multiple digital channels, including the Abu Dhabi Police website and mobile app, ensuring quick, hassle-free transactions.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to:

• Promote road safety
• Encourage responsible driving
• Support the community by easing financial burdens and encouraging legal compliance

Don’t Let Fines Pile Up

Brigadier Mahmoud Yousef Al Balushi, Director of the Traffic and Security Patrols Directorate, stressed the importance of timely payment and compliance with traffic laws. Avoiding delays not only ensures a cleaner driving record, but also helps residents make the most of available discounts.

The discounts

• 35% discount: Pay within 60 days
• 25% discount: After 60 days (excludes serious violations)
• Pay easily via the official website and app
• Campaign goal: Safer roads, less financial stress

So if you’ve got a traffic fine, now’s the time to clear it.