Sharjah is taking big steps to strengthen its electricity infrastructure. As part of a wider plan to modernise its energy systems, the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has started replacing overhead power lines with underground cables in several rural areas. This move is part of a broader Sharjah power grid expansion aimed at boosting efficiency, safety, and the reliability of electricity supply.
The project, which targets rural and remote communities, is already showing positive results. Residents are beginning to notice improved power quality and fewer outages. It’s also expected to reduce risks tied to exposed overhead wires, especially during bad weather.
Why the Power Grid Expansion Is Needed
The Sharjah power grid expansion addresses a long-standing need in rural areas, where electricity issues like low voltage, frequent outages, and unsafe overhead wires have affected daily life for years.
With Sharjah continuing to develop economically and socially, SEWA’s focus is now on ensuring all residents—urban and rural—benefit equally from safe and steady electricity.
Underground cables, though costlier to install, are more durable and less affected by environmental factors like storms or accidents. They also improve the visual appeal of neighborhoods by removing poles and wires from sightlines.
Which Areas Are Benefiting First?
So far, several rural and semi-rural parts of Sharjah, including Al Madam, Mleiha, and Al Dhaid, have seen the start of this infrastructure revamp.
According to SEWA officials, the initial phases involve replacing long stretches of overhead lines with insulated underground cables. This is being done with minimal disruption to daily life, thanks to careful coordination with local municipalities and road authorities.
In Al Madam, for example, residents say that voltage fluctuations that used to occur frequently have now stopped. In Al Dhaid, improved power delivery has helped small businesses operate more efficiently, especially those relying on steady refrigeration and air conditioning.
How the Power Grid Upgrade Is Being Done
The process of expanding the power grid and replacing overhead cables isn’t simple. It requires digging, laying down special underground ducts, installing new transformers, and sometimes even redesigning parts of the local road system to accommodate electrical access points.
SEWA’s teams are working around the clock to ensure that service interruptions are kept to a minimum. Temporary power sources are sometimes used to ensure that homes and businesses don’t go dark while the upgrade is underway.
In total, SEWA has plans to cover dozens of kilometers of existing power lines and convert them into modern, underground systems. These will be connected to new control centers that allow better monitoring and faster repair responses when issues arise.
Community Response to the Power Grid Expansion
The Sharjah power grid expansion has received praise from both residents and local leaders. Many see it as a long-overdue investment that will bring safety and stability to rural communities.
“We used to worry every time there was heavy rain or strong winds,” said one resident in Mleiha. “The power lines would shake, and sometimes we lost electricity for hours. Now, everything feels more secure.”
Others have pointed out how the change is helping families with schoolchildren, elderly residents, and those working from home.
With more people relying on internet and air conditioning, reliable electricity is no longer just a convenience—it’s a necessity.
A Step Toward Smart Energy Systems
The Sharjah government has been promoting energy reforms for several years. This project fits into a larger vision of making Sharjah’s infrastructure more sustainable, modern, and smart.
Underground cabling is just one element. SEWA has also launched smart meters and digital monitoring tools to track energy usage more accurately. With better data, the authority can react faster to faults and plan for future growth.
The Sharjah power grid expansion will also support future projects like solar integration and electric vehicle (EV) charging networks. With more stable and robust cabling systems, rural areas will be better prepared to join the green energy shift.
Future Expansion Plans
SEWA is not stopping with the current wave of rural upgrades. The authority has outlined long-term plans to apply similar power grid improvements to all areas of Sharjah, including newly developed zones and industrial areas.
Over the next few years, hundreds of kilometers of power lines will be upgraded. Each stage of development is tied to population growth forecasts and energy demand predictions.
SEWA is also inviting private sector participation for faster execution and innovation. Companies specialising in smart infrastructure are being considered as partners to speed up delivery timelines and reduce costs.
Environmental and Safety Benefits
The Sharjah power grid expansion brings not only better service but also environmental and safety advantages. Underground cables lower the risk of electrical fires, animal interference, and damage caused by falling trees or car accidents.
By eliminating overhead wires, the project also reduces visual clutter and enhances the overall aesthetics of towns and villages.
And as underground systems are less likely to require frequent maintenance, the overall carbon footprint from repair teams and service trucks is expected to fall.
Sharjah’s Commitment to Energy Innovation
Sharjah has long been known for its commitment to public service and infrastructure upgrades. From water desalination to waste recycling, the emirate continues to invest in long-term solutions for its residents.
This current focus on modernising the electricity grid shows Sharjah’s leadership in tackling both present needs and future challenges.
With better power delivery, the emirate ensures that all its residents—whether in city apartments or village homes—have access to the tools they need for modern life.
Conclusion: More Power to the People
The Sharjah power grid expansion is more than just a technical upgrade. It represents a shift in how the government views public services—less as a cost, and more as an investment in people’s quality of life.
As more rural areas get connected through safer, more stable systems, families, farmers, shopkeepers, and students will all benefit. And as Sharjah continues to grow, this strong and smart electricity network will support everything from economic development to climate goals.
The transformation is well underway—and it’s lighting up the future of rural Sharjah, one neighborhood at a time.
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