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Sharjah expands bus-on-demand service, making daily travel easier for residents

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Sharjah has expanded its innovative Bus on Demand service, bringing flexible public transportation to more residential neighbourhoods and educational districts. The move is part of the emirate’s ongoing efforts to create a smarter, more connected, and sustainable transport system for residents and visitors.

Introduced in June 2025, the service allows commuters to book shared bus rides through a dedicated mobile app. Instead of following fixed routes, passengers are picked up from the nearest designated location and can track their journey in real time, including estimated arrival times.

Rising demand highlights success

The Bus on Demand initiative has witnessed steady growth since its launch. By the end of March 2026, the service had completed 2,664 trips, serving 2,758 passengers.

Demand continues to rise, with user numbers increasing by 24% during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting growing public confidence in the convenience and reliability of the service for everyday commuting.

More areas added to the network

As part of the latest expansion, the service now covers:

  • University City
  • Al Juraina
  • Al Nouf

These newly added locations join the existing service areas of Muweilah Commercial and Aljada, improving connectivity between residential communities, universities, and key destinations across Sharjah.

The expansion is expected to make commuting more convenient for students, families, and professionals while reducing dependence on private vehicles.

Smart technology powers the service

Passengers can reserve rides through the Bus on Demand Sharjah mobile application, which uses intelligent routing technology and real-time operational data to determine the most efficient routes.

The system continuously adjusts routes based on demand, helping reduce waiting times and improve overall travel efficiency.

Affordable travel for everyone

The service offers a flat fare of Dh8 per trip, making it an affordable transportation option.

To encourage greater public transport use, accompanying passengers receive a 25% discount, providing added value for families and groups travelling together.

Supporting a Smarter and Sustainable Future

Officials from the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority said the expansion reflects the emirate’s commitment to developing a modern public transport system that delivers flexible mobility solutions while improving residents’ quality of life.

The initiative also supports the UAE’s Year of the Family goals by providing safe, convenient, and time-saving travel options that strengthen community well-being.

In addition, the Bus on Demand service helps connect neighbourhoods that are not covered by traditional bus routes, making it easier for passengers to access Sharjah’s wider public transport network.

As demand continues to grow, the latest expansion marks another step toward creating a smarter, more accessible, and environmentally friendly transportation system across the emirate.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

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UAE public holiday announced: 3-day weekend coming up on August 28

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Planning your next long weekend? The UAE has confirmed Friday, August 28, as a public holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors.

The holiday commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, an occasion included among the UAE’s official public holidays. As the date follows the Islamic calendar, the timing changes from year to year.

A three-day break for many residents

With the holiday falling on a Friday, employees who follow a Monday-to-Friday working week can enjoy three days off:

  • Friday, August 28: Public holiday
  • Saturday, August 29: Weekend
  • Sunday, August 30: Weekend

That means residents can make the most of the break with a short trip, a staycation or a relaxed weekend at home.

Another UAE holiday is coming

The next major public holiday on the UAE calendar will be Eid Al Etihad, with celebrations and the official holiday scheduled for December 2 and 3.

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What the UAE’s new vape excise price means for consumers and retailers

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The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced a new rule that sets a minimum excise price for liquids used in electronic smoking devices.

Beginning September 1, vaping liquids will be subject to a minimum excise price of AED 1 per millilitre.

The ministry confirmed that the existing minimum excise prices for cigarettes, water pipe tobacco (shisha), and other tobacco products will remain unchanged.

According to the ministry, the decision aims to improve tax compliance, respond to developments in the tobacco and vaping industry, and create a more consistent pricing framework across tobacco and electronic smoking products.

The UAE will also continue applying its 100% excise tax on all tobacco products covered under the country’s excise tax regulations.

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