All you need know about Shurooq

The Sharjah Investment & Development Authority’s (Shurooq) portfolio includes Al Qasba – a cultural destination flanked by F&B and entertainment. Al Qasba was the first to start the popular outdoor trend two decades ago.

Then came Al Majaz Waterfront, a project started around the principle of caring for the emirate. Alongside a floating musical fountain using seawater, a dining destination has been created with standalone food units directly facing the seawater.

The Heart of Sharjah project shifts focus to heritage. It is the largest historical preservation and restoration project in the region celebrating history, culture, authenticity and archaeology.

Giving way to archaeological tourism is Mleiha Archaeological Centre. Shurooq started working with the Archaeological Authority on the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-Tourism Project, which has shaped up beautifully.

Environment-driven tourism came next. Sharjah boasts a beautiful property in Kalba with a fascinating landscape surrounded by mangroves and canals. Shurooq started the redevelopment work in Kalba in partnership with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah. The area, rich in flora and fauna, connects mountains with the woodlands followed by the mangroves all the way to the Indian Ocean.

There is entertainment too with Al Montazah, one of the oldest theme parks in Sharjah and the GCC. Shurooq is adding more rides to Al Montazah Amusement and Waterpark. What’s more, the Eye of the Emirates is being shifted to Al Montazah. Once done, it will offer a mesmerising view of the Khalid Lagoon, Al Noor Island, Sharjah’s flagpole and other landmarks.

Shurooq has also inked some unique retail partnerships. “We have successfully signed landmark agreements with Emaar to develop Eagle Hills comprising three projects in Sharjah – AED2.4 billion mixed-use development Maryam Island; AED120 million luxury waterfront resort Palace Al Khan and the AED160 million master-planned retail development Kalba Waterfront. Our partnership with the Kuwait-based Mabanee Group is also quite fascinating. It is for the first time that they invested in the UAE real estate. More recently, we have collaborated with Nakheel – again their first project outside Dubai – to develop high-quality community malls in Sharjah,” shared Shurooq executive chairman, Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal.

Rupkatha B