Sharjah reveals new tourist attraction: Al Majaz Island

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Media Centre (SMC) yesterday launched Al Majaz Island Project.

The destination was dubbed the official venue of the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture (SICC) 2014 Celebrations and will house the first open air amphitheater in the region.

Positioned on the banks of Khalid Lagoon, the currently empty plot is tucked between Flag Island in the north and Al Majaz Water Front in the south, and finds itself just opposite Sharjah Hilton Hotel.

An open-air Roman-style amphitheater will be constructed covering 7238 square m to host the SICC celebrations and other international cultural and art events.

The Dh120 million semi-circular theater will include several terraced seating areas that can accommodate up to 4500 spectators, and a huge stage equipped with a state-of-the-art audio system.

It will have conference rooms and galleries, as well as a number of shops, restaurants and green areas that will surround it from all sides along with an outstanding panoramic view of the waterfront.

A bridge to the island will be provided from Khalid Lagoon Street, which will make it an architecturally unique landmark capable of highlighting the significance of SICC 2014, said the Sharjah Media Council.

“The island is poised to be a significant touristic landmark and an aesthetic point of attraction. This is thanks to its modern facilities which will be constructed according to international architectural standards, in addition to the strategic position it occupies on the banks of Khalid Lagoon, a vital entertainment destination in the emirate.”

The project was revealed at the official launch of Sharjah’s logo as the Islamic Culture Capital of the Arab Region 2014 (SICC 2014) on Sunday evening in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 Celebrations, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Head of the Projects Committee and Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of Sharjah Arts Foundation and Head of the Events Committee.

Elaborating on the role of the emirate, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi said: “Sharjah, with its people, scientific edifices, cultural platforms and historical character, has given joy a different meaning embodied in the knowledge it disseminates to continue to serve as a beacon of science among nations.

“Thanks to its abundant intellectual treasures, the emirate has managed to establish its cultural and Islamic identity so as to remain a source of pride for us, as well as for Arabs and Muslims.”

The contract of Al Majaz Island project has been awarded to Gulf International Engineering Consultants and Emirates Stones, whereas that of the bridge has been awarded to Halcrow Group and Al Darwish Engineering.

Construction on the island has already commenced and the project is set to be completed by Spring next year.

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