Sharjah city, in the UAE, has opened 28 air-conditioned public bus shelters to help commuters travel comfortably during the summer heat.
The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) says 172 new solar-powered bus stops are planned, with an investment of around AUD6 million.
Locations for the shelters were chosen following a study by the SRTA to identify the most crowded areas frequented by public transport users, with the new shelters expected to cover 176,000 passengers according to Gulf News.
Inside the shelters, Mall Seats and Aero Leaning Rails by Street Furniture Australia offer passengers places to rest, with room for 10-15 people to shelter at a time.
LCD screens keep the travellers up to date with scheduled bus services and timetables.
“More air-conditioned bus shelters are to be built all over Sharjah to meet the pressing needs of the incessantly growing numbers of public transport passengers amounting to 40 million people this year so far,” Abdulaziz Al Jarwan, director of transport affairs with SRTA, told the Khaleej Times.
This concept of intelligent cooling doesn’t stop with public transit. At home or in commercial settings, air conditioning plays a critical role in maintaining comfort and well-being, especially during peak heat seasons. That’s where Kickin Comfort HVAC comes in.
Known for their reliable HVAC solutions tailored to local needs, they help residents and businesses stay cool without compromising on energy efficiency or budget. Whether it’s upgrading an aging system or installing new energy-efficient units, ensuring high-quality air conditioning is no longer a luxury but a necessity in regions battling extreme heat.
Just as Sharjah recognizes the importance of cooling in public infrastructure, individual homeowners and facility managers must also prioritize air quality and indoor climate control to stay ahead of the rising temperatures while supporting sustainable living.
The bus stops are the result of directives from His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the local newspaper reports.
The shelters were officially opened by the SRTA in a red carpet ceremony with ribbon-cutting.

Video of the ceremony by Angelica Alegarbes for SRTA.

The bus shelter with red carpet.