Shurooq unveils Dh1 billion tourism projects in Sharjah

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, popularly known as Shurooq announced plans to start development works on major projects worth Dh1 billion in the Eastern and Central regions of Sharjah.
In a statement, the authority launched Al Hisn Island project in Dibba Al Hisn after the approval of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
This brings the total number of announced projects in the Eastern Region to three, following the recently announced Dh420 million The Chedi Khorfakkan Resort. Over Dh500 million has been allocated for investment in both Kalba Eco-tourism project and Al Hisn Island in Dibba Al Hisn.
The announcement was made by Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, chief executive of Shurooq, who stated during an interview with Live Broadcast on Sharjah Radio on Wednesday that the new project in Dibba Al Hisn is a leisure and tourism project.
Al Sarkal clarified that the new project will include a big water canal and a number of cafes and restaurants with stunning views on the canal, parks, children areas, as well as a number of various other facilities. He said the details about the project would be announced soon.
“This project is being developed according to the directives of His Highness Ruler of Sharjah in developing the Eastern Region, the Jewels of Eastern Coast and his order to deliver projects that serve the interests of citizens in these areas, drive economic growth, and attract investments that help create jobs and create added economic value to the city, in particular, and the Emirate, in general,” Al Sarkal added.
Al Sarkal also highlighted the current developments and efforts being exerted by Shurooq in The Chedi Khorfakkan Resort and Kalba Eco-tourism Project.
“Work is underway in collaboration with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah and a number of experts to prepare the area environmentally for the animals and plants which will be in the project,” Al Sarkal clarified.
The second phase of the project will involve the development of Kalba Lake and the construction of a commercial complex featuring shops and restaurants overlooking the Lake. The second phase will also comprise the development of a number of islands in the creek, as well as rehabilitation to revive their natural marine and bird life.
The third phase has been designated for the tourism part of the project, which will see the setting up of a number of hotels and fantastically designed chalets overlooking the Gulf of Oman.
A destination of choice
Regarding the progress of work on The Chedi Khorfakkan Resort project, Al Sarkal announced the commencement of excavation and soil test studies. He added that the planned hotel, at a cost of Dh420 million, would be one of the most important destinations in the country and region. The hotel will open in 2015.
Speaking about Khorfakkan, Al Sarkal said that the authority is conducting studies to develop the Khorfakkan Corniche. As part of the authority’s strategy of developing projects in all parts of the Emirate, Shurooq’s chief announced that the authority intends to develop a new leisure project in Al Badayer in the Central Region and that the project’s preliminary studies have been completed.
He clarified that the project will be developed in the Central Region’s desert, specifically in Al Badayer, which is considered as one of the most important desert areas in the UAE and is well known for its amazing sand dunes which attract a large number of the UAE’s residents and tourists who enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
The project will be comprised of an integrated and self-sustained tourism complex that will include a number of restaurants and cafes, in addition to a tourist information centre, outdoor theatre, camel and horse riding areas, cycling areas, Bedouin style seating areas, walking, resting, and barbecue areas, as well as tourist reception stations.       
Khaleej Times
3 August