Company says it will invest AED500m in Al Hisn Island project as part of tourism bid
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced plans for a third major tourism project in the eastern region of the emirate.
The launch of Al Hisn Island in Dibba Al Hisn comes after the approval of Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, ruler of Sharjah.
Shurooq said it plans to invest more than AED500m in the project which follows recently announced plans for the Chedi Khorfakkan Resort and the Kalba Eco-tourism project.
Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, said the new project in Dibba Al Hisn was a leisure and tourism project "that will be a new unique destination for Dibba Al Hisn's residents, as well as visitors and tourists from the neighbouring areas".
Al Sarkal said it will include a major water canal and a number of cafes and restaurants, parks, children areas, and other facilities.
He said the project was part of plans to develop the eastern region to drive economic growth, and attract investments that help create jobs locally.
He added that the ruler of Sharjah has also approved the commercial complex master plan of Kalba Eco-tourism, which will be located alongside Kalba Lake and will include restaurants, retail outlets, children games, parks, and animal reserves.
The project is being implemented in three phases, the first of which will see the redevelopment of natural reserves in Kalba (Hafiya and Al Qurm natural reserves), release of rare animals and birds and the establishment of a centre within the reserve for visitors, as well as the restoration of archaeological sites within the project.
The second phase of the project will involve the development of Kalba Lake and the construction of a commercial complex.
Phase three will include a number of hotels and chalets overlooking the Gulf of Oman.
Regarding the progress of work on The Chedi Khorfakkan Resort project, Al Sarkal said the hotel "would be one of the most important destinations in the country and region".
Shurooq's CEO also announced plans for a new leisure project in Al Badayer in the central region of Sharjah.
The project will include a tourism complex comprising 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.
