2. Facts
H.H. Sheikh Khalifa
bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, President
of the United Arab
Emirates
H.H. Dr. Sheikh
Sultan bin
Mohammed
Al Qasimi,
U.A.E. Supreme
Council Member
and Ruler of Sharjah
Profile
Geography
Demographics
Official name
Also know as
Area
Location
Neighbouring Emirates
Population
Population growth
Median age
Sharjah
The Cultural Capital and Industrial Hub of the U.A.E.
2,590 km2
(third largest emirate in the U.A.E.)
Bordered by Oman, Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean
Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah
and Umm Al Quwain
Timezone UTC/GMT +4
1.4 million (2015)
1% year (2005-2010)
25
3. Centrally Located
Between Core Markets
Johannesburg
7hrs Sydney
16hrs
New York
13hrs
London
8hrs
Paris
8hrs
Delhi
3hrs Hong Kong
8hrs
Berlin
8hrs
Abuja
7hrs
Tokyo
10hrs
Seoul
7hrs
Moscow
5hrs
Sao Paulo
16hrs
Shanghai
8hrs
Islamabad
3hrs
Beijing
9hrs
Astana
5hrs
United Arab Emirates
Arabic, English widely spoken
9,205,651 population (2013)
83,600 km2
in size
GMT +4
Dirham (1 USD = 3.67 Dhs)
Los Angeles
16hrs
4. Cultural Capital of the U.A.E.
Capital of Islamic Culture (2014)
Two coastlines - Indian Ocean,
Arabian Gulf
Naturally diverse - Striking
landscape and wildlife
Natural diversity
Modern city
The industrial hub of the U.A.E.
World-class infrastructure
Unsaturated market full of
opportunity
Growing population. Third largest
in the U.A.E. (1.4 million - 2015)
Political stability and government
investment
Intra arab tourism destination
and thriving cultural hub
DUBAI
ABU DHABI
AJMAN
RAS AL
KHAIMAH
UMM AL
QWAIN
FUJAIRAH
RAS AL
KHAIMAH
FUJAIRAH
SHARJAH
(2,590 KM2
)
OMAN
OMAN
SIR BU NUAIR
ISLAND
Sharjah At
A Glance
SHARJAH CITY
AL BEDAYER
AL DHAID
DIBBA
KHORFAKKAN
KALBA
5. Moody’s investor service assigned a first-time local
and foreign currency rating of A3 to the Government
of Sharjah based on the emirate’s very strong fiscal
and government debt position.
Sharjah’s higher degree of economic diversification
and strong manufacturing sector is a credit strength.
The emirate’s attractiveness for investment is
underscored by more affordable cost of doing
business when compared to other emirates.
In addition, the government’s focus on education is
supportive for Sharjah’s economic growth potential.
A3
Stable
Outlook
High
institutional
strength/
framework
Relatively
small
economy thus
very limited
exposure
Very high
financial
strength
including debt
profile
Moody’s Current Rating
Positive Sovereign
Credit Rating
6. Top 10 Ranking for
Small And Mid-Sized Cities
Overall Small And Mid-sized Cities 9th
Overall Small And Mid-sized Cities (Middle East) 3rd
Business Friendliness 10th
Human Capital And Lifestyle 7th
Economic Potential 9th
Connectivity 6th
Cost Effectiveness 8th
7. A first time business confidence survey was completed
in Sharjah by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and
Industry in collaboration with the global Market research
company Dun & Brandstreet.
The survey has tested business optimism levels across
key areas of business operations and key sectors.
450 companies were interviewed, divided between:
• Construction - 50
• Finance, Real Estate and Business Services - 100
• Manufacturing - 100
• Trade & hospitality - 200
Sales Revenue
Level of Seling Prices
Volumes Sold
Number of Employees
Net Profits
New Purchase Orders 17%37%
34%
59%
38%
59%
37%
6%
19%
3%
12%
9%
11%
40%
46%
38%
50%
32%
52%
Increase Decrease No Change Not Applicable
Overall Business Outlook
MANUFACTURING
& TRADE
HOSPITALITYCONSTRUCTION
Top optimistic sectors:
Sharjah’s Business
Confidence Index
8. We create and facilitate
investment and development
opportunities in Sharjah
9. Investment
• Identifies and configures
investment opportunities
• Superior market intelligence
• Insider knowledge of economic
activities of Sharjah
• Assistance on investment
evaluations
• Public private partnerships or
joint ventures
• Support of the government
of Sharjah
Development
• Planning and designing Sharjah’s
key tourism and development
assets
• Diverse portfolio
• Heritage preservation, waterfront
developments, retail, commercial
and residential offerings
• New activities and sectors such
as key industrial, healthcare,
energy, environment and logistics
Asset Management
• Long term, profitable and
sustainable partnerships
• Asset or project management
of key JV assets
Our
Mandate
10. BASIC
RESOURCES
AUTOMOBILES
INSURANCE TELECOMMUNICATIONS REAL ESTATE
CONSTRUCTION &
MATERIALS
FINANCIAL
SERVICES
CHEMICALS RETAIL &
WHOLESALE
OIL & GAS MEDIA
UTILITIES TRAVEL & LEISURE
MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT
TECHNOLOGY TRANSPORT &
LOGISTICS
HEALTHCAREPERSONAL &
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
EDUCATION
With demand outpacing supply, this
promising sector offers multiple
opportunities.
New environmental protection legislation
is creating the need for environmental
products and services.
Sharjah’s key geographical location between
Africa, Asia & Europe presents opportunities
along the logistics and supply chain sectors.
Greater awareness levels and a rising middle
class are creating demand for specialised
services.
AGRICULTURE
Promising
Sectors
11. Travel &
Leisure Sector
Sharjah’s travel and leisure sector benefits from
the U.A.E.’s international profile as an established
tourism destination. Tourists’ and residents’
continuing demand for different experiences
provides new opportunities for Sharjah.
Sharjah Travel & Leisure Market Trends and Potential
Billion Dhs (2011-2020)
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 1.97
1.85
1.74
1.63
1.54
1.44
1.36
1.28
1.2
1.1
1.9million
visitors to Sharjah
in 2013, from
across the globe
5-STAR
DEVELOPMENTS
ECO-TOURISM CRUISE LINES
FINE
DINING
MEDIUM-LONG
ITINERARIES
AIRPORT SUPPORT
SERVICES
ESTABLISHED
FRANCHISES
FINE
DINING
12. Transport &
Logistics Sector
Given the importance of trade and
manufacturing to Sharjah’s economy, the
transport and logistics sector is a fast-
growing one. The benefits of Sharjah’s
access to the Arabian Gulf and Indian
Ocean will only grow in importance, and
will contribute to the future success of
this sector.
FREIGHT
FORWARDING
FREIGHT
FORWARDING
F&B REEFER
SHIPPING
Sharjah Logistics Market Potential
Billion Dhs (2014-2020)
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 3.43
3.02
2.66
2.34
2.06
1.82
1.6
13. Healthcare
Sector
Multiple demographic and socio-economic factors are
contributing to the increased demand for general and
specialised healthcare services. Despite a number of
incidents requiring care (per 1,000 population) that is
relatively higher than in the rest of the U.A.E., the supply
side of the sector is lagging behind the demand.
CENTRES OF
EXCELLENCE
LONG-TERM
CARE FACILITIES
AFFILIATIONS
& PARTNERSHIPS
R&D
STRATEGIC
PARTNERSHIP
SET-UP OF
MANUFACTURING
UNITS BY PRIVATE
PLAYERS
JOINT
VENTURES
PRIVATE
PHARMACIES
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 5.6
5.1
4.7
4.3
3.9
3.6
3.3
Sharjah Healthcare Market Potential
Billion Dhs (2014-2020)
14. Environment
Sector
The U.A.E. federal government is
implementing stricter environmental
legislations and setting targets for
renewable energies. This is spurring both
public and private sectors to explore ways
to achieve compliance and generate
demand for environmental services.
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 1.13
1.07
1.01
0.96
0.91
0.87
0.82
0.78
0.74
0.7
ENERGY
EFFICIENCIES/
GREEN
BUILDINGS
RENEWABLE
ENERGY
WASTE
MANAGEMENT
Sharjah Environment Potential
Billion Dhs (2011-2020)
15. SIR BU NUAIR
ISLAND
THE CHEDI
KHORFAKHAN, AL
JABAL RESORT
KHORFAKKAN
CORNICHE
MLEIHA ECO-TOURISM
PROJECT
AL BADAYER
DESERT CAMP
KALBA ECO-TOURISM
PROJECT
ARABIAN GULF
INDIAN
OCEAN
BIRD OF PREY
CENTRE
VISITORS
CENTRE
AL DHAID CITY
DIBBA AL-HISN
ISLANDDevelopment
Locations
AL NOOR
ISLAND
AL MAJAZ
WATERFRONT
HEART OF
SHARJAH
MARIAM
ISLAND
THE FLAG
ISLAND
AL
MONTAZAH
EL MANZA
MARAYAH ART
CENTRE
AL BAIT
HOTEL
AL
KHAN
SHARJAH
CORNICHE
AL QASBA
AL
FISCHT
16. Project Components
The Al Jabal Resort, Chedi Khorfakkan, will
feature a wide range of activities to take
advantage of the warm temperatures and
rich marine life of the Gulf of Oman.
• Deluxe 5 star resort
• High-end Restaurants
• Executive meeting facilities
• Destination spa
• Located on the hilltop, The Heritage Fort
takes advantage of spectacular views
across the entire bay
• The Town Square includes a variety of
cafes, preserving the beachfront and
creating a secondary gathering point
Hotel by Shurooq
Al Jabal Resort, The Chedi Khorfakkan
Breathtaking Getaway
The Chedi Khorfakkan Resort won the GCC
Hospitality and Leisure Project of the Year
at the 5th annual Middle East Architect
Awards, which clearly shows the project’s
unique appeal.
Situated on a natural hillside beside a
private cove with a white sandy beach,
the Chedi Khorfakkan is a five-star resort
inspired by the region’s traditional
architecture and way of life. Featuring
luxurious five-star amenities and catering
to a discerning audience, the resort will
be managed by hotelier GHM.
17. Kalba
Eco-Tourism Project
Immersed in Nature
The Kalba Eco-Tourism Project is an
environmentally friendly, mixed-use
development. It strikes a delicate balance
between environmental conservation and
low-impact retail, hospitality and cultural
development to create a unique
experience-centric tourism destination
on the east coast of Sharjah.
Shurooq has undertaken the Kalba Eco-
tourism project with the aim of creating
public consciousness and generating
greater awareness about environmental
issues, while identifying Sharjah’s rich
environmental tourist assets available for
the public to enjoy within a conservative
organisational framework.
18. Conservation Zone
Development Zone
The project will be implemented in three phases over
a period of six years, the first of which will see the
redevelopment of natural reserves in Kalba, the release of
rare animals and birds, and the establishment of a centre
within the reserve for visitors, as well as the restoration of
numerous archaeological sites within the project’s scope.
Phase 2 of the project will involve the development of
Kalba Creek and the construction of a commercial complex
featuring several shops and restaurants overlooking the
creek. It will include the development of recreational
spaces that will enable holidaymakers to enjoy the area's
natural biodiversity, and the development of a number of
islands in the creek.
The third phase has been designated for the development
of tourism and will see the construction of a number of
hotels and fantastically designed chalets overlooking the
Gulf of Oman. This part of the project will also feature a
building designated for art activities and a centre for
diving and marine hobbies. It will also offer trips to
explore Khor Kalba and the mangroves.
19. Kalba Hotel
Project Components
• 5-star hotel
• F&B outlets
• Ballroom
• Business Centre
• Spa
• Swimming pool
• Kids Club
• Water sports facility
• Safari activities
21. Historic Fishing Village
The project aims to re-create the historic
fishing village of Al Khan into a heritage and
beach park. Centrally located along the
coastline of the city of Sharjah, the
revitalized district will preserve the charm
and authenticity of the emirate’s maritime
tradition as a cultural resource and offer
families a unique leisure destination.
A sensitive landscape plan, incorporating
indigenous and traditional species, with
careful consideration for the need, nature
and extent of hard surfaces - provide beach
shade in keeping with the character of the
village, and provide an outcome that is both
environmentally and economically
sustainable.
Al Khan
Project Components
• Total Hotel Area: 10,446 m2
• Total Guest Room: 5,273 m2
• Business Centre
• Spa
• Retail Area
• Pool Changing and Gym
• Kid’s Club
• Outdoor Swimming Pool
22. Master Plan projects by Shurooq
Sir Bu Nuair Island
Untamed Beauty
Sir Bu Nuair Island is one of Shurooq's
largest initiatives at the cost of half a billion
Emirati Dirhams.
The aim of this project is to turn an island
into a unique destination; one that offers a
mix of high-end luxury and comfort, one that
fosters a genuine sense of community, and
one that captures the region’s vibrancy and
cultural heritage in its architecture and
offerings.
Located 65km off the U.A.E. coastline on the
Arabian Gulf and stretching across a gigantic
area of 13 km2, the predominantly
uninhabited island is characterized by its
natural scenery and beautiful beaches.
Traveling to the island takes 2-3 hours by
sea, 25 minutes by airplane from Jebel Ali
and Abu Dhabi, and 40 minutes from
Sharjah.
Project Components
• 5 Star Luxury Resort
• 96 Keys: 79 units, 17 stand alone villas
• 30 Apartments
• Activity Centre
• 16 retail areas, 50-150 m2
• Mosque
• Staff House
• Museum
23. Multi Experiential Centre
The island has been envisioned as an
environment of interwoven villages.
Opportunities and offerings are provided for
living, vacationing, socializing, conducting
business, or simply carrying out the daily
communal lifestyle. This is the place in
Sharjah where all communities can gather
to exchange ideas, better understand each
other and celebrate the cultural heritage of
the emirate.
Master Plan projects by Shurooq
Mariam Island
24. A 5 stars boutique hotel that is integrated with
the heritage area of Heart of Sharjah, keeping
with the heritage nature of the property, whilst
also presenting an international offering to hotel
guests.
• 53 Rooms
• All day dining restaurant
• 2-3 traditional restaurants
• M&F Spa
• Business Centre
• Admin and BoH facilities
Al Bait Hotel
25. The Khorfakkan Corniche development aims to
enhance the 3-km stretch of beach, providing
high quality public amenities, F&B, and activities
to its various visitors.
Due to the size of the development, we have
separated it into 2 main stages: Southern
Corniche (Stage 1), Northern Corniche (Stage 2),
with the Central Plaza creating a strong focus
area at the heart of the Corniche.
This area has been designed to create a strong
sense of arrival and bring the centre of
Khorfakkan to the waterfront. We have identified
that this area should be the main focus for
events.
Khorfakkan
Corniche
26. Southern Corniche
The Southern Corniche area will create sports,
hospitality and tourism destinations. This
development will create a major attraction
for the corniche. This area will include:
• Water park,
• 4-star hotel,
• Water sports centre,
• Retail souq and
• Marina.
Northern Corniche
The Northern Corniche area includes a family
beach and sports beach and all the facilities that
entails, as well as a private ladies beach and the
formal park.
27. The Sports Beach features an array of sand and water
sports such as beach volleyball, windsurfing and
watercraft rentals. Fun for families or individuals,
Sports Beach will become a buzzing centre for activity
on pleasant days and will become the place to be for
fun in the sun in Khorfakkan.
The masterplan for the beautification of the corniche
carefully considers the needs and aspirations of a
diverse range of user groups. To cater to the local
population, national and regional visitors, the
enhancement of the southern corniche aims to
improve facilities for family and sports uses.
Sports Beach includes multi-sports courts, five-a-side
football and informal sports fields, a running track,
play spaces and climbing nets, and outdoor gym
facilities.
Khorfakkan
Sports Beach
28. While considering the large project of enhancing
the Khorfakkan Corniche, a need was identified for
a marina. In order to provide the necessary space,
part of the beach is being reclaimed and
extended.
The Southern Marina will provide a space for
boating enthusiasts to dock their boats as well as
an area that would serve the increasing number
of tourists arriving by cruise ship. Once ashore,
visitors will have an array of activities to choose
from and shops to visit as well as various activities
to participate in.
The Southern Marina will contain a variety of
facilities and provide a book-end to the corniche
beach. Complete with hotel, lagoon and beach,
water sports centre, health and fitness club,
waterpark and restaurants, the Southern Marina
has plenty to offer for both local and regional
visitors, as well as to cruise ship passengers just
stopping for brief stay. Ample marina space give
boaters a place to launch fishing trip or a fun day
of recreation on the water.
Khorfakkan
Southern Marina
29. Al Fisht Beach is one of the few beaches in the city
of Sharjah that faces onto the open sea and the
only one with a length that is truly public and
accessible. It presents an excellent opportunity to
create a wonderful civic asset for the city as it has
strong natural attributes required for a great beach.
The length, location, sand quality, water quality,
etc., all provide a great starting point for an ideal
family beach.
Project Components
• Five Star Luxury & Family Hotels
• Marine Amphitheatre
• Maritime Activity Centre
• Ocean Pool
• Skateboard Park
• Picnic Areas
• Restaurants, East & West Beaches
• Juma Beach Mosque
Al Fisht
Waterfront
30. Al Hisn Mall Dibba will be 14,000 square metres
of gross built-up retail area of mid to upper-mid
offerings. Located on the east coast of Sharjah,
the mall will take a historic landmark and
repurpose it as a brand new retail offering.
Utilising an inspiring source of architectural
identity, the mall will offer everything from family
entertainment to a hyper market.
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the mall will
provide a unique tourist attraction mixing the
heritage of a historic architectural site with
modern retail options.
A variety of stores along with a food court will
give visitors ample opportunities to shop and
enjoy themselves while spending time with
family and friends.
Dibba Al Hisn
31. A joint venture between the Sharjah Investment
and Development Authority (Shurooq) and
Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas
Authority (EPAA), the Mleiha Eco-Tourism Project
is a development with a single coherent vision
that successfully integrates Mleiha’s history with
the interests of its residents.
A sustainable development, the Mleiha Eco-
Tourism Project will help to protect the area’s
ecological and archaeological areas and share
them with tourists and future generations.
During the day, tourists will be able to leave the
luxurious comfort of the resort’s lodges,
restaurants and cafés and venture out to discover
Mleiha’s archaeological and ecological treasures.
Mleiha Archaeological
And Eco-Tourism Project
32. History comes alive
Nowhere else in the U.A.E. are such fascinating
archaeological sites waiting to be discovered by
adventurous tourists. In addition to preserving
the significant archeological sites, native wildlife
species such as the Arabian oryx, rhim gazelle,
damani gazelle and ostrich will also be protected,
adding another important dimension of tourism
to Mleiha’s overall attraction.
• Desert landscapes and mountainous
north-south spine
• Archaeological heritage and cultural aspects
• Potential to re-establish the original wildlife
• Economic and job opportunities through
tourism development and activities
33. The Mleiha Visitors Centre will help guests
interpret the unique archaeological environment
of Mleiha and the pre-historic sites in the Mleiha,
Jabal Bu’hais and Jabal Faya region of the Emirate
of Sharjah.
The building was designed with consideration to
its location with regard to its environmental and
archaeological context.
The centre is proposed to be located adjacent to
the Umm Al Nar Tomb within the existing
municipal park. It is envisioned that the existing
park is upgraded to allow the new centre and its
facilities to be integrated into a coherent setting
suited for a World Heritage Site.
Once complete, the visitors centre will offer a
window into the past, giving visitors a glimpse
of what it was like to live so long ago and what
animals were present at the time.
Mleiha
Archaeological Centre
34. A Unique Slice of Life in Sharjah
Al Dhaid is the oldest city in Sharjah with
attractions such as Al Hisn Fort, the oldest castles
in Sharjah, and the largest poultry, livestock, fish
and dates markets.
The city also represents one of the major
agricultural centres in the U.A.E. with its numerous
farms on fertile land.
The vision is, “To re-claim the prestigious position
it once had in the region and to identify, enhance
and promote the unique aspects of the town so as
to set it apart from any other town in the region.”
Al Dhaid
35. Celebrating the simple things
Al Sharia is a development with a focus on the
environmentally and economically sustainable.
Located in Al Dhaid, it will create a unique niche
destination in the region for a value-for-money
family-orientated, recreational and cultural
based, tourist experience for local residents,
expatriates living in the neighbouring emirates as
well as international visitors.
Utilising the natural assets of the area and its
prime position midway between the east and
west coasts, Al Sharia will provide a wide range of
recreational and educational opportunities for
both visitors and local residents.
The development will offer picnic areas, running
and cycling paths, a ghaf forest, petting zoo and
much more.
Al Dhaid - Al Sharia
36. Water bringing back life
Al Dhaid Lagoon project will revolve around the
creation of a lake in Al Dhaid. The lake will not
only be a feature on its own but part of a wider
system.
Upstream, a bio-remediation facility will
contribute treated water to the wadi to help
recharge the lake. In a region where water is a
precious commodity, the bio-remediation facility
will not only be functional in terms of water
treatment but also become a feature at the
entrance to Al Dhaid from Mleiha.
Al Dhaid - Lagoon
37. Boutique Island
An island paradise resort
Boutique Island will be 150,520 square metres of
luxury. From its Boutique Island Hotel to its high-end
luxury retail offering, Boutique Island will be the
premier place to stay while visiting Sharjah.
The island shall encompass luxury retail with a tenant
mix that comprises of mostly high-end premium single
brand boutique stores, in the form of a fashion district.
It will also include high-end restaurants and cafés.
VIP access
A single road bridge is planned to the island, which
will be partially surrounded on both sides with lush
landscaping that will form an extension of the theme
gardens, creating an introductory transitional zone to
the island hotel and luxurious retail.
The hotel is being conceived as an island paradise
resort, with a grand palatial atmosphere where visitors
may continue the water journey through a canal
penetrating the island or arrive at the "marsas"
dedicated for the hotel.
38. Mamzar Peninsula
Located on a peninsula in the new Sharjah lagoons
which are part of a new masterplan. It has water
frontages to 3 sides, with Al Mamzar Park to the
west and the city of Sharjah to the south. The site
gets accessed from the south and the total area is
281,867 m2.
The site is to be developed in several phases,
Phase 1 will consist of the following components:
• 20,000 m2 of exhibition
• 3,000 no’s of car parking
• 10,000 m2 of concourse which includes
facilities such as F&B, retail, offices, meeting,
event space and auxiliary functions
