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New tourism and real estate development projects in Sharjah complement its growing industrial and retail sectors
Sharjah (Al-Shariqa) the third-largest of the seven states which form the United Arab Emirates, probably has the most colourful history of all the Emirates. From the time of the early trading with the East, to the settlement of the Qawassim seafaring tribe and into the first half of the 19th century, Sharjah was the most important port on the lower Arabian Gulf.
The flow of oil into the UAE and the recent gas revenues have sustained Sharjah's development.
But it is perhaps the people, a lively trading tradition and the cultural remains, that have created and maintained the unique flavour of the emirate.
The population of Sharjah has risen dramatically from about 160,000 in 1985 to 520,000 in mid-2000, according to the statistics of the Ministry Of Planning and UAE Ministry of Interior.
Sharjah's distinctive landmarks include the two major covered souqs, reflecting Islamic design, a number of recreational areas and public parks. The city is also notable for its numerous elegant mosques.
The government of Sharjah has attached great importance to the various aspects of planning since the early 1960s when an international consultant was commissioned to prepare a broad structure plan for the major cities in 1963.
The research was repeated in 1969 and the structure plans updated accordingly. Approximately Dh8 billion were invested and the implementation plans of 1974-1988 paved the way for a new era of vision planning. A comprehensive appraisal is underway in order to establish a firm basis for the new millennium.
The new vision plan seeks to raise the standard of living and quality of life for Sharjah citizens and attain balanced development and spatial integration in all parts of Sharjah.
Moreover, it seeks to outline approaches to deal with the key issues of employment for nationals, encouragement of private sector initiatives, improvement of the urban environment. More importantly, it also seeks to maintain the cultural identity of Sharjah and its enlightenment role and position Sharjah as a major destination for scientific and cultural tourism.
Negotiations on three new hotels in Sharjah are underway, with two in the private sector and one to be jointly owned with a government stake, says Sheikh Tariq bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Chairman, Sharjah Economic Development Department, at MashreqForums.
"The new projects form part of our tourism initiative, with the other two core areas being industry and the retail sector, where we see the highest future growth potential. We have also refurbished the Central Market for Dh35 million."
Sheikh Tariq adds that two new shopping complexes — the Downtown and Ansar malls — are also set to augment the fast-growing retail sector, which has witnessed investment of Dh2 billion over the last three years in the emirate.
On the drive towards industrial expansion, he says the authorities are in the process of developing three new industrial areas in Sajaa, Hamriya and Al Nouf, to complement the 17 industrial areas already set up.
Trends and tips
The lower rents in Sharjah draw people from other emirates, even if it means a daily commute to Dubai or sometimes even Abu Dhabi. However, Sunny Khushlani, Sales Manager, Everest Real Estate, Sharjah, feels, "The lower rents in Sharjah are definitely the main attraction.
But besides that, Sharjah has family parks in almost all areas. Recent developments have been the Sharjah City Centre, Mega Mall and Sahara Centre. Families living here can live and shop comfortably in Sharjah itself. All of this makes Sharjah a very conducive place for residence."
According to Khushlani, the fastest-growing areas are the those with easy access to Dubai, such as Al Nahda, Al Taawun or Al Khan. As far as villas are concerned, the areas which have an easy access to the Emirates Road are in good demand and are developing fast.
New market trends demand that new buildings should have central airconditioning, ceramic or marble flooring, latest sanitary fittings, built-in wardrobes, decent-sized balconies and, most of all, should have an equipped kitchen. Swimming pools, health clubs, kids' play area and parking are also good plus factors.
Khushlani advises: "Before anyone signs a tenancy contract they should see that the property has regular maintenance because that is usually the major issue between the landlord and tenants.
Another factor to consider is that the property is really worth the price. Many people deal directly with the landlord and are not aware of these things. In this case, it's always wiser to deal with a real estate agency."
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