Electricity services in Sharjah have been fully restored after an emergency technical issue triggered a temporary power outage, with authorities confirming normal operations have resumed across all affected areas.
Power supply in Sharjah has been completely reinstated following an emergency technical fault that caused the outage
Electricity supply has been reinstated across most impacted parts of Sharjah following a short-lived power disruption on Sunday afternoon that interrupted government operations, businesses, and banking services. Technical crews continue working to reconnect a few remaining pockets.
The interruption was first reported around noon and affected areas in Al Majaz and Al Taawun, including Jamal Abdul Nasser Street and surrounding residential and commercial zones. The temporary loss of power caused brief operational slowdowns across several sectors, a senior official from the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) confirmed.
Sewa’s engineering teams were dispatched immediately after the fault was identified. Crews worked to secure the network, isolate the affected segments, and carry out safety assessments of equipment and infrastructure before restoring electricity.
During the outage, some government services were paused, while shops and offices faced short delays. Banking operations were also impacted, with several ATMs in the affected neighbourhoods going offline until power was restored.
Residents in Al Majaz said the disruption was minimal. Ghada Mamoon, who lives in the area, said electricity was cut briefly before returning. “The outage didn’t last long and power was back within a few hours,” she said.
Sara Al Amin, a resident along Jamal Abdul Nasser Street, shared a similar experience. “The electricity went out around midday but was restored shortly after. Everything is functioning normally now,” she said.
However, a few residents in Al Taawun reported that power had not yet returned at the time. Amir Khan, who lives in the area, said they were still waiting for electricity to be restored.
A Sewa official explained that while supply has been resumed in most locations, teams remain on the ground to complete restoration in the remaining areas. The official added that full restoration was expected by the afternoon, once all safety protocols were completed.
The authority noted that restoring power in stages is a standard procedure designed to ensure the network is reactivated safely and effectively. Built-in protection systems help contain faults, reduce wider disruption, and safeguard key infrastructure.
Sewa reiterated its focus on ensuring consistent service delivery, highlighting ongoing investments in grid upgrades, preventive maintenance programmes, and rapid-response capabilities to reduce the impact of unexpected outages on residents and businesses.
Power interruptions are uncommon in the UAE, which operates one of the region’s most dependable electricity networks. When isolated faults or maintenance-related disruptions occur, services are usually restored quickly, supported by robust infrastructure, automated protection systems, and swift technical intervention.
Beyond the immediate restoration efforts, the incident prompted renewed discussion among residents about the importance of emergency preparedness, particularly during midday hours when commercial activity is at its peak. Several business owners said even short outages can disrupt transactions, digital systems, and customer flow. While most expressed satisfaction with the swift response, they also highlighted the need for clear communication during such incidents. Notifications through official channels, they said, help residents and businesses plan around temporary disruptions and reduce uncertainty, especially for those operating essential or time-sensitive services.
Urban infrastructure experts note that rapid fault detection and isolation are key to minimising the impact of unexpected outages in high-density areas. Sharjah’s electrical network relies on automated systems that detect irregularities and shut down specific sections to prevent damage to the wider grid. While this can result in temporary service loss for some neighbourhoods, it significantly reduces the risk of prolonged outages or equipment failure. Experts add that such systems are essential for modern cities where electricity demand continues to rise alongside population growth and economic activity.
Residents also pointed out the challenges faced by vulnerable groups during power interruptions, particularly the elderly, children, and individuals dependent on electrically powered medical equipment. Community members said the brief outage served as a reminder of the importance of neighbourly support during such situations. In several buildings, residents checked in on one another, shared updates, and ensured lifts and common facilities were used safely. Authorities have previously encouraged communities to remain vigilant and supportive during disruptions, even when outages are expected to be short-lived.
From a broader perspective, utility officials said incidents like these are used as learning opportunities to further strengthen system resilience. Post-incident reviews typically examine the root cause of faults, response times, and coordination between technical teams. Findings are then used to fine-tune operational procedures and preventive maintenance schedules. Sewa officials have consistently emphasised that continuous monitoring and data-driven planning are essential to keeping pace with the emirate’s expanding urban footprint and increasing reliance on uninterrupted power supply.
As Sharjah continues to grow as a residential and commercial hub, demand for reliable electricity is expected to rise steadily. Authorities have reiterated that long-term infrastructure planning remains a priority, with investments focused on smart grid technologies, network redundancy, and sustainable energy integration. While occasional technical faults are unavoidable in any large system, officials stress that the goal is to ensure such disruptions are rare, localised, and resolved as quickly as possible, maintaining public confidence in the emirate’s essential services.
