Jihan Shuaib, Staff Reporter
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, instructed the authorities concerned to make a comprehensive plan to develop services on the shores of the emirate's cities, fill gaps and add more attractions to delight and comfort visitors.
This was revealed by Marwan Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), through the Direct Line programme broadcast live on Sharjah Radio and TV.
Co-ordination was made with the Roads and Transport Authority to add services to Al Heera Beach and carry out additional projects in it including restaurants, walking facilities and others, which should be ready by the year-end, he said.
Marwan Al Sarkal.
Moreover, the second phase of Khorfakkan beach development project will start by keeping the existing trees in the area, adding facilities and service buildings and co-operating with Khorfakkan government departments to add services to Al Luluiya Beach, he added.
The Kalba Waterfront, which is the largest shopping centre of its kind on the eastern coast of the Emirate of Sharjah, is being completed in Kalba City, extending over 700 metres and including shops, restaurants, and a play area, he said.
Preparations are also being made to open the Moon Retreat with a beautiful view in the middle of the Mleiha desert, he added, noting that under Sheikh Sultan’s directives, the Al Rafraf Inn would be expanded in Kalba by adding 20 more tents.
A hotel would also be built on Kalba Lake next to the waterfront, comprising 80 rooms, while two more hotels are being constructed in Khorfakkan, one on Suwayfa Mountain and the other on the beach, which would include a water park and a shopping mall, he said.
Work is underway in Sharjah Sustainable City located near Al Rahmaniya suburb, where the residential units would be handed over by the year-end, he added.
The first phase of residential units on Maryam Island would also be handed over, while Al Badayer Retreat would be expanded by adding a number of large tents and an open swimming pool, he said, noting that the public can currently go to Al Khan Beach but are not allowed to swim in it during the evening period.