A power outage in Sharjah caused traffic signals to stop working, prompting delivery riders to help manage traffic by guiding vehicles and ensuring smoother flow at busy intersections.
Sharjah blackout: Watch delivery riders step in to direct traffic as signals go out
Several parts of Sharjah were affected by a brief power interruption on Sunday afternoon, causing inconvenience to residents and businesses across the emirate. The electricity cut, which started around midday, impacted areas such as Al Majaz, Al Taawun, Jamal Abdul Nasser Street, and nearby residential and commercial districts.
Response teams were dispatched quickly, and electricity supply was later restored in all affected locations. Authorities said the disruption was the result of a confined technical issue, adding that services had since returned to normal.
While households, shops and ATM users felt the impact of the blackout, motorists also faced challenges as traffic signals at key intersections stopped functioning. With the lights down, traffic flow was temporarily disrupted, increasing the risk of congestion and confusion on the roads.
Amid the disruption, a group of good-hearted individuals stepped in to help. At a busy junction, delivery riders voluntarily took charge of traffic, guiding vehicles and pedestrians to ensure order and prevent accidents until power was restored.
Footage shared with insider18 shows riders in bright delivery uniforms standing at the centre of the intersection, directing cars approaching from all directions. Riders from companies including Smile, Noon and Keeta worked together, managing traffic under the afternoon sun. Taxis, school buses and private vehicles were seen following their hand signals as they navigated the junction safely.
Acts of public service by delivery riders are not new. In 2024, a Talabat rider was recognised after he noticed a traffic signal hanging dangerously on Dubai’s Al Wasl Street. Concerned it could fall and injure someone, he stopped his bike and attempted to secure the light, unaware that his actions were being filmed.
Commenting on Sunday’s incident, an official told insider18 that the power cut was caused by a localised emergency fault within the electricity network. The issue triggered automated protection mechanisms designed to maintain grid stability and stop the problem from affecting a wider area.
Power failures are uncommon in the UAE, thanks to a robust and well-maintained electricity network. When isolated outages do occur due to technical issues or scheduled maintenance, authorities say services are usually restored quickly, supported by resilient infrastructure, automated safety systems and rapid-response technical teams that help minimise disruption to daily life.
The incident drew widespread praise on social media, with many residents commending the delivery riders for their sense of responsibility and quick thinking. Several users described the riders’ actions as an example of everyday heroism, noting how their calm presence helped prevent chaos at a busy intersection. Others highlighted how delivery workers, often overlooked despite their constant presence on the roads, play an essential role in keeping cities functioning smoothly. Videos of the riders directing traffic were widely shared, sparking conversations about civic duty and the importance of stepping up during unexpected situations.
Road safety experts say that malfunctioning traffic signals can pose serious risks, particularly at major junctions with heavy vehicle and pedestrian movement. In such situations, confusion over right of way can quickly lead to accidents. While authorities typically deploy traffic police to manage intersections during outages, immediate community intervention can make a significant difference in the first few minutes. Experts stress, however, that while goodwill is admirable, motorists should always exercise extra caution and slow down when approaching intersections where signals are not operational.
Residents living near the affected areas said they initially struggled to navigate the roads as the outage took effect. Some reported brief traffic build-ups, while others said they avoided certain routes altogether until power was restored. Shop owners in the vicinity also noted temporary disruptions, with electronic payment systems and refrigeration units affected during the blackout. Despite the inconvenience, many residents expressed appreciation for the swift restoration of power and the efforts of those who helped manage traffic during the disruption.
Delivery riders involved in the incident said they acted instinctively, driven by concern for public safety rather than recognition. Some riders explained that spending long hours on the road makes them acutely aware of how dangerous busy intersections can become without functioning signals. By stepping in, they hoped to reduce the risk of collisions and protect pedestrians, especially children and the elderly. Their actions reflect a growing culture of shared responsibility on the roads, where residents look out for one another during emergencies.
Authorities have reiterated that while residents’ willingness to help is appreciated, the public should avoid putting themselves in danger. Officials advise drivers to treat non-functioning traffic lights as four-way stop signs and proceed only when it is safe. They also encouraged residents to report outages or malfunctioning signals promptly so response teams can act quickly. The Sharjah incident serves as a reminder that even brief disruptions can test urban systems — and that cooperation between authorities and the community plays a vital role in maintaining safety.
