Pics: Skating rink, F&B part of UAE’s Khorfakkan beach redevelopment

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah,

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has launched a new project to develop and redesign the Khorfakkan beach, it announced on Monday.

The project will see the establishment of service facilities and hospitality amenities to host recreational activities.

It has been separated into two main phases which will be implemented in cooperation with the Sharjah Directorate of Public Works and Khorfakkan Municipality, a statement said.

The first phase, which covers the south side of the beach – including the area from the port to the roundabout – will see the construction of an amphitheatre, a walkway overlooking the beach, a skating rink, sport courts, picnic areas, and children’s playing areas. There will also be restaurants, cafés, beachfront retail outlets and gardens that reflect Islamic architecture, showers, bathrooms and changing rooms on the beach.

The second phase will cover the northern area. Shurooq said that more details about the next stage of the project will be revealed later.

Surrounded by mountains and beaches, Khorfakkan lies on the east coast of the UAE and features restaurants, hotels, and a small market.

The beach redevelopment project is part of Shurooq’s strategy to integrate tourism and family destinations across the emirate of Sharjah.

Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, executive chairman of Shurooq, said: “The city of Khorfakkan is one of the most beautiful cities on the east coast of the UAE. It is an ideal destination for visitors looking to relax in nature. Shurooq is keen to make Khorfakkan as one of the most attractive tourism destinations, while preserving its aesthetic characteristics. And this project is part of our comprehensive strategic plan to develop the eastern region of Sharjah.

“The development of the project will allow us to expand on our existing and new partnerships with a variety of global brands, across a variety of sectors, who will support in creating facilities and services,” he said.

He added: “Once the project is completed, Khorfakkan will be a premium tourism destination in the eastern region, and we expect to receive increasing number of local and international visitors.”

Sharjah is looking to boost its tourism sector, and aims to attract more than 10 million tourists per year by 2021.