The Shurooq Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced plans to launch major tourism projects in the eastern and central region of the emirate. The cost of construction will cost 1 billion dirhams (US $ 273.2 million).
In particular, work has already begun on the island of Al Hisn Island in the Dibba Al Hisn region, for which approval was received by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Cassimi, a member of the Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah. To date, three projects have been launched in the eastern region, including the previously announced The Chedi Khorfakkan Resort, whose construction is estimated at 420 million dirhams (US $ 114.7 million). More than 500 million dirhams (US $ 136.6 million) will cost in total the construction of an eco-tourism reserve in the town of Kalba and the leisure center Al Hisn Island. In particular, the project of the latter provides for the construction of a canal, on the banks of which numerous restaurants and cafes, parks, playgrounds and many other amenities will appear.
According to representatives of the agency, it reflects the economic growth of the emirate, and the investments made in it will help create new jobs and improve the tourist attractiveness of the region and Sharjah as a whole. The department also disclosed information on the implementation of projects in the town of Kalba and The Chedi Khorfakkan Resort. As part of the first of these, a lake will be dug, on the banks of which restaurants and shopping centers will be located. The islands will also be further landscaped, on which populations of marine animals and birds living here will be preserved. As part of the third phase, hotels and chalets with stunning views of the Gulf of Oman will be built.
The Chedi Khorfakkan Resort is scheduled to open in 2015. There are also discussions on how to equip the Korfakkan embankment. In addition, the Sharjah authorities intend to implement another tourism project in the Al Badayer region, which is known for its magnificent sand dunes and natural beauties. Currently, pre-design work is ongoing. In particular, it is planned to erect restaurants and cafes, an amphitheater, arenas for horses and camels, bicycle paths, barbecue areas and much more.
