New development projects to reshape Sharjah’s Eastern region
As reported on WAM, the Eastern Region of the Emirate of Sharjah, which includes Kalba, Khor Fakkan, and Dibba Al Hisn, is witnessing the implementation of various development projects related to roads, infrastructure, tourism, heritage, environmentally-friendly hotels and resorts that will shape the future of the region.
H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has personally overseen the planning of the region’s future and is tracking its progress.
The list of new projects being implemented includes five road projects, the inauguration of the Khor Fakkan-Sharjah Road, as well as the refurbishment of the Kalba-Sharjah road, the West Khor Fakkan Ring Road, the Kalba Ring Road, and Dibba Al Hisn Road.
Recently completed development projects include various tourism projects, such as the Khor Fakkan Beach Project, worth AED95 million, the Kalba Waterfront Project, costing AED119 million, the Al Rafisah Dam Lounge, costing around AED37 million, the Shis Fort Development Project and the Kingfisher Lodge in Kalba.
The region is also awaiting the construction of two 5-stars hotels, one close to Khor Fakkan Beach which will have 66 rooms and the first water park in the region. The other is close to the Kalba Waterfront Project and will have a shopping centre. The start of the construction of a 45-metre tall clock tower in Kalba has also been announced.
Several development projects are being undertaken in Dibba Al Hisn, including the construction of two new buildings, with one being for the Sharjah Cooperative Society and the other a multi-use hall. There are also plans to build a shopping mall and an 890-metre walkway on the water canal.
The Khor Fakkan-Sharjah Road will improve the local transport network and facilitate economic growth as well as the development of areas along its route.
Sharjah is preparing for next year’s inauguration of the 55-km Sharjah-Kalba Road, which will reduce the travel time between Sharjah and Kalba from 90 minutes to 45 minutes.
The Khor Fakkan West Ring Road is a vital link between many areas of Khor Fakkan, and is expected to help to reduce traffic jams on key roads.
The Kalba Ring Road will help to facilitate traffic movement from Kalba and through Fujairah to Sharjah and Dubai.
In December, the Eastern region of Sharjah witnessed the inauguration of the Khor Fakkan Beach Project, the first of its kind on the UAE’s East Coast. It was constructed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, Shurooq, in cooperation with several public and private authorities.
The project, costing AED95 million, is focused on a 1 kilometre-long beach with many entertainment and services facilities for residents and visitors and tourists.
Construction is continuing on the Kalba Waterfront Project, costing around AED119 million and covering an area of 17,000-square metres, with an innovative shopping mall containing 82 stores.
Sundukovy Sisters’ OSH Restaurant is a nod to modern techno style and Eastern accents
Twins Irina and Olga Sundukovy founded eponymous design and architecture studio Sundukovy Sisters, or simply S+S, in 2004.
One of their most memorable projects is the OSH Restaurant at La Mer, Dubai. Working on an Uzbek cuisine restaurant in Dubai, S+S designers put an emphasis on the East without overwhelming the guest’s perception. This space gives a nod to architectural masterpieces of Samarkand in a combination of modern techno style and Eastern accents. Noble brass surfaces and concrete, aged folk paintings of neutral hues come into an exquisite mix with comfortable modern furniture of lively colours and textures.
To focus on the East, without overloading the perception of the guest, designers combined elements of national architecture with simple concrete surfaces, wood and comfortable modern furniture in neutral shades.
Stucco, imitating concrete slabs and fragments of national painting were used on walls of the first floor. Stacked natural wood, toned in numerous shades, is emphasised by concrete inserts.
To fence the stairs and partitions, S+S chose black metal perforated with gradient traditional patterns. The pattern only peeks through the first floor, fully unfolding into metal “lace” on the second. A solemn arched vault of suspended lights – a modern interpretation of ancient architecture – is placed in the centre of the first-floor hall. A hookah and high carved columns from eastern architectural ensembles take up the atrium space.
Modern furniture, comfortable for long feasts, is upholstered with natural linen, as discreet as possible, so as not to distract attention from the luxurious azure vaulted ceiling – an exact replica of halls in Samarkand. The mosaic of subdued shades along the ceiling line emphasises the bright coloured central arches. Concrete partitions with plants between sofas make another modern detail that clearly distinguishes the classic national surroundings.
A subtle Eastern pattern continues on the terrace: mosaic in the form of an enlarged national ornament on the floor, oriental candlesticks and curtains combined with modern plastic furniture of unusual shapes.
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