Sharjah has opened a Dh1 billion road that improves access to the historic east coast town of Kalba.
The motorway cuts the travel time between Sharjah city in the west and the enclave to only an hour instead of 90 minutes.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, on Thursday opened the 26-kilometre stretch between Wadi Al Helo and Kalba.
It comes as Kalba undergoes a major revamp to encourage more tourists and day trippers to visit.
Kalba's Corniche is being upgraded and old buildings are being restored.
Sheikh Dr Sultan also stopped at Wadi Al Ghail dam and asked the authorities to build a park, camping ground, mountain walk path and install facilities for mobile food carts. He also directed the planting of a million Sidr trees around the dam and the wadi.
During the tour, Sheikh Dr Sultan inspected the 9.5km Kalba Corniche. Once complete, the Corniche will feature restaurants, shops, parks and playgrounds.
The project also includes 2,200 parking spaces, 14 pedestrian paths, beaches, an 8km park and a 7km jogging track.
