Drivers heading towards Sharjah University City have been given some relief with the partial reopening of a busy route, but motorists using the Industrial Area 17, Maliha Road corridor should prepare for a new traffic diversion from Wednesday, August 26.

Sharjah’s Roads and Transport Authority has reopened two lanes in each direction along a stretch connecting Industrial Area 17, University Bridge and University City.

The reopening restores part of a key route between University City and the Institutes Land area, which had been affected by ongoing roadworks.

New diversion starts August 26

The reopening comes as another section of the road network is partially closed as part of the Etihad Rail Station Access Roads Project.

From Wednesday, motorists travelling from Industrial Area 17 towards Maliha Road will be diverted onto an alternative route.

Drivers heading to Sharjah English School, Nesto Hypermarket and nearby businesses should therefore allow extra time and follow the signed diversion rather than attempting to use their usual approach.

How long will the diversion last?

The temporary diversion is expected to remain in place for just over five weeks, from August 26 until October 5.

The works are part of the wider infrastructure programme supporting the development of the Etihad Rail network in Sharjah.

While the project is expected to improve connectivity in the long term, drivers can expect changes to traffic movements while the access roads are being constructed.

What drivers should know

• University City route: Two lanes in each direction are now open along the reopened section.
• New closure: The Industrial Area 17-to-Maliha Road route will be partially closed from August 26.
• Affected destinations: Drivers heading towards Sharjah English School, Nesto Hypermarket and nearby businesses should use the designated alternative routes.
• End date: The diversion is scheduled to remain until October 5, 2026.
• Drive carefully: Follow directional signs and safety instructions around the work zones.
• Allow extra time: Traffic conditions may change during peak periods as motorists adjust to the diversion.

The Roads and Transport Authority has published a map showing the approved alternative routes. Drivers are advised to check the diversion before setting off and follow the road signs once they reach the affected area.

One of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks on Sheikh Zayed Road is set to disappear, with the Toyota Building scheduled for demolition in 2027.

The confirmation comes from the real estate division managing the property, following recent social media videos showing residents moving out and sharing memories of their time in the building.

Tenants with existing rental contracts are understood to be able to remain in the property until December 2026. However, a specified timeline for the demolition has yet to be set according to reports.

A Sheikh Zayed Road landmark since the 1970s

Officially known as the Nasser Rashid Lootah Building, the 15-storey residential building was completed in 1974, at a time when Sheikh Zayed Road looked dramatically different from the densely developed skyline seen today.

Standing at around 65 metres tall, the building was among the first three structures to rise in the area around what was then known as the First Roundabout.

Over the decades, it became an unmistakable part of Dubai’s cityscape.

Why was it called the Toyota Building?

The building earned its famous nickname thanks to the large Toyota sign that once illuminated its rooftop.

The bright red Toyota logo was installed in 1981 and remained a familiar sight above Sheikh Zayed Road for almost four decades.

The sign was eventually removed in 2018 after the advertising agreement ended, briefly changing the appearance of the landmark.

But Dubai residents got a nostalgic surprise in June 2022, when Toyota UAE brought the iconic logo back, restoring one of the building’s most recognisable features after nearly four years.

A piece of old Dubai

The building has housed generations of residents in its one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and has watched Dubai transform from a relatively low-rise city into the global metropolis it is today.

For many people who have lived in or travelled along Sheikh Zayed Road over the years, the Toyota Building has been more than just a residential property — its rooftop sign became part of the visual identity of the road.

With residents preparing to leave by the end of 2026 and demolition planned for 2027, another piece of old Dubai is set to make way for the city’s next chapter.

The demolition will mark the end of more than five decades for a building that became an unlikely icon of Dubai’s rapidly changing skyline.

Etihad Rail passengers now have another option for getting around after they step off the train, with a new car rental service offering vehicles from Dh80 to Dh200 per day.

The Rail to Road service, launched through Thrifty Car Rental’s Flexy offering, is currently available at Etihad Rail’s Abu Dhabi and Fujairah passenger stations. The service is designed to solve the first- and last-mile transport challenge for travellers continuing their journey by road.

One of the biggest advantages is that no security deposit is required. Rentals also come with 60km of included driving and prepaid fuel, meaning passengers do not need to worry about refuelling before returning the vehicle.

Three car categories to choose from

Travellers can select from three vehicle categories depending on their needs and budget.

Essential is aimed at passengers looking for a practical and affordable option, with cars such as the Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai Accent.

Comfort steps up to larger cars and compact SUVs, including models such as the Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Creta and Mazda 6.

For those wanting something larger or more premium, Stretch includes vehicles such as the Audi A3, Mazda CX-90, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Patrol and Jeep Wrangler.

Prices range from around Dh80 to Dh200 per 24-hour rental, depending on the vehicle category.

You can rent a car when you arrive

Passengers do not have to book weeks in advance. The service allows travellers to reserve a vehicle before their train journey, book after reaching the station or simply walk in and rent a car, subject to availability.

The rental period is based on a 24-hour cycle rather than being linked to the customer’s train arrival or departure time. This gives passengers more flexibility if their travel plans change.

Additional kilometres beyond the included 60km can also be purchased for an extra fee.

Cars can be returned to other Thrifty locations

The service is primarily designed for passengers to collect and return their vehicles at the same Etihad Rail station.

However, customers can arrange to return the car at another Thrifty location for a nominal one-way fee. This gives travellers more flexibility when their onward journey does not bring them back to the original station.

Car rental can be added to your train booking

The rental option has been integrated into the Etihad Rail booking journey, allowing passengers to add a car when arranging their train travel.

The system is expected to be further developed to make the car rental option more visible and easier to use.

The Rail to Road initiative forms part of a five-year partnership between Etihad Rail and Thrifty, focused on improving connections between passenger stations and final destinations.

Thrifty plans to invest more than Dh10 million over five years in expanding its fleet, digital systems and customer services. An initial fleet of around 500 vehicles is planned, with the potential to grow as demand increases and Etihad Rail expands its passenger network.

The wider rollout is also expected to include digital kiosks and customer assistance desks across Etihad Rail’s 11 passenger stations.

With train travel connecting more parts of the UAE, the new service could make the journey considerably easier for passengers whose final destination is beyond the rail station.

EtihadRail RailToRoad UAE AbuDhabi Fujairah UAETransport DubaiTransport PublicTransport CarRental Thrifty UAETravel AbuDhabiTravel FujairahTravel TravelUAE UAETravelNews FirstMile LastMile SmartMobility UAENews TravelUpdate

Etihad Rail passengers can now rent cars from Dh80 a day with no deposit

Etihad Rail passengers now have another option for getting around after they step off the train, with a new car rental service offering vehicles from Dh80 to Dh200 per day.

The Rail to Road service, launched through Thrifty Car Rental’s Flexy offering, is currently available at Etihad Rail’s Abu Dhabi and Fujairah passenger stations. The service is designed to solve the first- and last-mile transport challenge for travellers continuing their journey by road.

One of the biggest advantages is that no security deposit is required. Rentals also come with 60km of included driving and prepaid fuel, meaning passengers do not need to worry about refuelling before returning the vehicle.

Three car categories to choose from

Travellers can select from three vehicle categories depending on their needs and budget.

Essential is aimed at passengers looking for a practical and affordable option, with cars such as the Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai Accent.

Comfort steps up to larger cars and compact SUVs, including models such as the Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Creta and Mazda 6.

For those wanting something larger or more premium, Stretch includes vehicles such as the Audi A3, Mazda CX-90, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Patrol and Jeep Wrangler.

Prices range from around Dh80 to Dh200 per 24-hour rental, depending on the vehicle category.

You can rent a car when you arrive

Passengers do not have to book weeks in advance. The service allows travellers to reserve a vehicle before their train journey, book after reaching the station or simply walk in and rent a car, subject to availability.

The rental period is based on a 24-hour cycle rather than being linked to the customer’s train arrival or departure time. This gives passengers more flexibility if their travel plans change.

Additional kilometres beyond the included 60km can also be purchased for an extra fee.

Cars can be returned to other Thrifty locations

The service is primarily designed for passengers to collect and return their vehicles at the same Etihad Rail station.

However, customers can arrange to return the car at another Thrifty location for a nominal one-way fee. This gives travellers more flexibility when their onward journey does not bring them back to the original station.

Car rental can be added to your train booking

The rental option has been integrated into the Etihad Rail booking journey, allowing passengers to add a car when arranging their train travel.

The system is expected to be further developed to make the car rental option more visible and easier to use.

The Rail to Road initiative forms part of a five-year partnership between Etihad Rail and Thrifty, focused on improving connections between passenger stations and final destinations.

Thrifty plans to invest more than Dh10 million over five years in expanding its fleet, digital systems and customer services. An initial fleet of around 500 vehicles is planned, with the potential to grow as demand increases and Etihad Rail expands its passenger network.

The wider rollout is also expected to include digital kiosks and customer assistance desks across Etihad Rail’s 11 passenger stations.

With train travel connecting more parts of the UAE, the new service could make the journey considerably easier for passengers whose final destination is beyond the rail station.