His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has inaugurated the Khorfakkan Beach project, in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), as well as a number of senior representatives from Sharjah’s state entities and project supervisors.

This first-of-its-kind largescale redevelopment and redesigning project in the Eastern region of Sharjah was launched in October 2018 by Shurooq. The project has been developed with the support of a host of government entities in Sharjah.

During the inaugural festivities, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi was given a detailed account of the project and its facilities. The AED 95 million project aligns with Shurooq’s strategy to integrate tourism and family destinations across the emirate of Sharjah, enhance the touristic appeal of Khorfakkan city and Sharjah’s east coast in general, and generate new business and investment interest in the area.

With the opening of the Khorfakkan Beach project, visitors can have direct access to the new beach experience through the recently launched 89 km Sharjah-Khorfakkan highway, which has cut down travelling time between the two cities to 45 minutes.

During the tour, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah was welcomed with a number of watersports activities such as a traditional boat race, sand castle sculptures and as well as an art gallery exhibition at the new project by renowned Emarati artist Mohamed Al Astad, who’s passion is to promote Khorfakkan’s touristic values and elements.

Featuring world-class recreational activities, a centre specialised for water sports activities, shopping and F&B across 1 km stretch on the south side of the Khorfakkan beach, the new development is just 20 minutes away from Fujairah, 30 minutes from Kalba and 45 minutes from Sharjah city. The total area of facilities available for leasing is about 8,235 sqft. Around 30 – 40 percent of the business leasing spaces have been allocated to entrepreneurs and start-ups in the region, which is part of Shurooq’s strategy to support and promote entrepreneurial growth in the UAE and beyond.

A lush central courtyard, a 350-car parking lot, 6 food trucks, 4 kiosks, 17 F&B and retail businesses. The development also boasts a high-end jogger’s and bicycle tracks, multi-use sports courts, football and basketball courts and a swimmers’ beach constructed meeting highest international safety standards. The beach is equipped with a team of expert lifeguards and supervisors. The development also includes showers, bathrooms and changing rooms, and an amphitheatre overlooking the sea for hosting beachside events and activities.

A children’s playing area that meets global safety standards is part of the project, and is equipped to host fun-filled activities for the 4 – 12 years age group. The public attraction has been accented with areas to showcase art installations and murals. The spaces will be used to feature works by artists from the Maraya Art Center, and aligns with Shurooq’s goal to promote art and culture in Sharjah.

Part of the project’s plans, new amenities have been added to the existing family beach park, including eco-friendly picnic and barbecue areas. The project uses green technologies to reflect the emirate’s approach to building cities and amenities that meet the highest standards of environmental and socioeconomic sustainability.

Founded in 2009, Shurooq aims to achieve social, cultural, environmental and economic development on the basis of Sharjah’s distinct Arab and Islamic culture and to seamlessly add to the fabric of the emirate. It strives to develop the emirate and encourage investment by adopting the best international standards in providing high-end services that help draw local, regional and international investment.