Our Correspondent
The latest feather in the cap of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is the Sharjah Safari in the emirate’s eastern region. The public entity is undertaking four new large-scale tourism and hospitality projects in Khor Fakkan, Kalba, Al Dhaid and Mleiha.
H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inspected the progress of the Sharjah Safari project, part of Al Bardi Reserve in the city of Al Dhaid, this week.
The under-construction Sharjah Safari, the largest safari project in the world outside of Africa, will have an area of 14 square kilometres and will contain nearly 50 thousand animals. When completed, it will be the most important environmental tourism destination in the region. The safari project is phase two of the Al Bardi park opened in 2007.
The project includes a rhinoceros section, cages for birds and a section for giraffes, 15 of which were released to adapt to the safari. The crocodiles section includes a group of lakes and buildings that will help visitors spend an enjoyable time watching crocodiles. The facilities in the lions section is 90 percent complete while the elephant section was completed in a record in three months.
A number of facilities will have a design that took into account the character of African wildlife. Sharjah Safari would include a distinct group of animals from different African environments, as well as a large natural lake, a picnic area for visitors, and cafes spread around venues of live animal shows.
There is a Sharjah Safari Visitors Camp, visitors’ rest houses and restaurants.
Historical Khor Fakkan undergoes major redevelopment
The UAE’s Eastern Region, comprising the emirate of Fujairah and the cities of Kalba, Khor Fakkan and Dibba Al Hisn in Sharjah, has a favourable environment for many development projects, given its strategic location, unique nature and federal and local interest in improving its living standards.
The Port of Fujairah is witnessing a significant turning point, following the signing of an agreement to implement engineering, purchasing and construction projects between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and SK Engineering and Constructions in South Korea, which will build the largest single project in the world with a storage capacity of 42 million barrels of crude oil at a cost of AED4.4 billion.
Khor Fakkan and Kalba have new tourism projects to ensure the region’s development. The Khor Fakkan Beach Project with many entertainment facilities, and Al Rafisah Dam lake are key tourism projects. In August, Shurooq had announced the construction of two five-star hotels at scenic locations in Sharjah’s eastern region – the first property will be located along the Khor Fakkan Beach and be home to the city’s first waterpark. The second one will be adjacent to Kalba Waterfront, the major retail project being developed in phases by Shurooq and Eagle Hills.
Among the other projects that the Ruler of Sharjah inaugurated in recent months are the Shees Park and Resthouse Project on Khorfakkan road; Najd Al Maqsar Village, one of the most important ancient human communities in Wadi Washi located within Khorfakkan; and the Khorfakkan Club for the Disabled.
He also inspected the work on the Al Suhub Rest House project, which will include fountains, beaches and restaurants, and the Abu Al Kizan shoreline village. The rest house project, situated 580 m above sea level, will provide a panoramic view of the city of Khor Fakkan. A 5.63 kilometre-long road leads up to the rest house. The Abu Al Kizan shoreline village is in a mountainous area that spreads into the sea. The designs of the project’s buildings and amenities are inspired by the Italian village of Riomaggiore.
