Sharjah mulls metro, tram and new roads

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is supporting the emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority as it undertakes a study for the feasibility of a metro or a tram network as part of the emirate’s plans for a ‘diversified strategic approach’ to 2020, according to Sharooq CEO.

“The newly formed Roads and Transport Authority in the emirate is working on new plans for the road networks, whether it’s including a tramway system, a metro system or connecting it with new Etihad Rail,” , Marwan bin Jasem Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, told Emirates 24|7.

The authority also maintains that the emirate needs 3,000 new hotels rooms by 2016 as it unveils its new Sir Bu Nair island project with a 60-room hotel, along with a 200-room property in Kalba.

Al Sarkal shares details on the emirate’s plans to create investment opportunities, working under the umbrella of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). “Sharjah is strategically working towards a diversified economy, not just oil and gas, but rather developing human capital equipped for current market needs,” he said.

Shurooq has been handed the mandate to develop the emirate’s four sectors, namely healthcare, environment, transport and logistics and travel and leisure.

Speaking about the transport sector, Al Sarkal said: “The road network is vital for Sharjah’s growth, especially since Dubai Expo 2020 win. Being connected to Etihad Rail and that to the Gulf Rail will have a dramatic impact on transportation logistics.”

He continued: “We are also keen on improving the emirate’s three sea ports, two of which are in the Arabian Gulf, while one is the Indian Ocean.

“The Indian Ocean in Khorfakkan is a deep seaport, which can thus accommodate bigger vessels. We are trying to attract F&B referrals to use Sharjah as an import and re-export port because of its unique geographic location.”

Tourism growth

Sharjah has been heavily investing in its ecotourism projects, with Kalba and the recently unveiled Sir Bu Nuair Island development driving the growth.

Al Sarkal said: “Sharjah needs at least 3,000 more hotel rooms by 2016. And this is a conservative estimate that doesn’t take into account Dubai’s Expo win, which will prove to be a great driver of tourist traffic to this emirate.

“Our current count stands at 1.9m visitors. By 2020, it will not be less than 2.7m visitors.”

Under construction since 2012, Al Sarkal said the Kalba Eco-Tourism project will see a new phase open every six months.

“The Activity Centre will open by end of year, while of the two picnic sites, one will be ready by September. The other will be ready by winter of next year.”

Also under development is a campsite, along with an eco-lodge.

“Meanwhile, we are developing a mall on the lagoon, which will add to economy, along with a 200-room hotel,” he added.

Phase 2 of the project will also comprise the development of a number of islands in the creek, as well as rehabilitation to revive their natural marine and bird life.

Phase 3 has been designated for the tourism part of the project, which will see the setting up of a number of hotels and fantastically designed chalets overlooking the Gulf of Oman. More than 300 rooms spanning hotels and chalets would be built in line with eco-friendly standards.

One of Shurooq’s major initiatives is the Sir Bu Nuair Island project, which will be developed at an estimated cost of Dh500 million, set to be completed in 2017.

The island will host a luxury five-star hotel and resort, hotel apartments and villas, a village, an amphitheatre, a museum, a mosque, an education centre, a harbour, an airport, and a number of retail outlets and other leisure offerings.

He said: “The project will stretch over an area of 37,721 square metres. Once developed, it will be the only island in UAE that can be reached in your own boat.”

Sir Bu Nuair Island, a marine and wildlife habitat, is located 65km off the UAE coastline on the Arabian Gulf.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.