Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced the implementation of preventative measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus across its portfolio of latest large-scale real estate, tourism, commercial and hospitality projects.

In line with the gradual reopening of businesses across the UAE, the measures have been introduced across all its sites to ensure the safety of Shurooq’s staff and workers as construction activities resume.

The authority said the move reinforces the "criticality of business continuity and sustainability in the construction and infrastructure sectors to ensure the strength and resilience of Sharjah’s economy".

Among the list of projects scheduled for completion this year and some of the signature projects that will be completed within the next two years includes the House of Wisdom, Sharjah Sustainable City and Avenues Mall Sharjah.

Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, executive chairman of Shurooq, said: “As businesses are gradually returning to normal, Shurooq is responding to the crisis and helping drive recovery to preserve the resilience and stability of the economy as well as ensure that the growth in all sectors is balanced.”

Resuming construction activities will ensure the sustainability of the development process and the consolidation of a knowledge-based economy that is capable of attracting assets and investments from around the world, he added.

These are the projects that Sharjah is counting on to help its economy recover from the global pandemic over the next two years:

1. The House of Wisdom

Launched in April 2019, in celebration of the Sharjah World Book Capital 2019, the House of Wisdom project reflects the importance given to books and knowledge in the emirate and highlights the value and significance of this distinguished title.

The 12,000 sq m project is scheduled for inauguration in the fourth quarter of 2020. Developed by Shurooq and designed by British architectural design and engineering firm, Foster & Partners, the House of Wisdom comprises indoor and outdoor reading spaces and will feature a 105,000-book collection when it is fully operational.

It also features The Scroll, a monument designed by renowned UK-based artist Gerry Judah.

2. Sharjah Sustainable City

Shurooq’s commitment to meet Sharjah’s vision to promote ‘green’ investments in the emirate has led to the launch of Sharjah Sustainable City, in partnership with Diamond Developers.

Sharjah Sustainable City is the first fully integrated, net zero energy community in the emirate and adheres to the highest standards of environmental, social, and economical sustainability.

The AED2 billion project encompassing 7.2 million square feet comprises environmentally friendly residential units, green houses with modern technology and vertical farms, driverless cars, a multi-service commercial centre and a school.

Shurooq has revealed that phase one of the project, including 280 villas, is expected to be delivered in September 2021.

3. Maryam Island

Located in downtown Sharjah, Maryam Island, is one of Sharjah’s largest real estate projects and is developed by the Eagle Hills Sharjah Development, a joint venture between Shurooq and Eagle Hills.

Maryam Island offers an array of luxury residential apartments, four- and five-star hotels, waterfront food and beverage outlets, cafés, retail shops, leisure facilities, a dock, and green spaces. The AED4.5 billion venture extends over an area of 460,000 sqm.

Phase 1 of the project, Maryam Beach Residence, will be completed in December and will include 688 residential units, a swimming pool, children’s play zone and kids’ swimming pool, beach access, 40 retail outlets and F&B units. The second phase of the project, Maryam Gate Residences, will be delivered in 2022.

4. Kalba Waterfront

The Kalba Waterfront, the largest retail and first inclusive waterfront destination in Kalba is also being developed by Eagle Hills Sharjah Development as part of the Kalba Eco-Tourism Project.

The AED160 million Kalba Waterfront boasts a shopping mall with 86 retail outlets, a supermarket, a family entertainment centre, and a large food court. It is designed as an integrated outdoor shopping experience and is scheduled for completion in the 2nd quarter of 2021.

5. Palace Al Khan

Located in downtown Sharjah, Palace Al Khan is the third project developed under the Eagle Hills Sharjah Development banner and offers a blend of nature and state-of-the-art facilities. Complete with a spa, a fitness club, an outdoor swimming pool, conference facilities and parking, the AED120 million Palace Al Khan comprises 88 keys in total, including executive suites.

6. Avenues Mall Sharjah

A 65,000 sq m venture developed in partnership with leading Kuwaiti real estate developer, Mabanee, the mall will rise in the Mughaider suburb of Sharjah.

Set to be inaugurated in the fourth quarter of 2022, the project will feature 71 leasing units comprising 70 per cent retail and 30 per cent F&B outlets.

7. Nature-inspired hospitality

Shurooq has also announced new large-scale tourism and hospitality projects in Khorfakkan, Kalba, Al Dhaid and Mleiha that will provide nature-inspired experiences in the emirate’s central and eastern regions. This will include two five-star hotels at locations in Sharjah’s eastern region, a 66-key property located along the Khorfakkan Beach which will also include the city’s first waterpark, and another property adjacent to Kalba Waterfront.

8. Seih Al Bardi Kabeer Safari Park retreat

Shurooq is also developing a 60-key experiential family retreat within the 14 sq km Seih Al Bardi Kabeer safari park project currently being developed in the interiors of Al Dhaid. This is a first-of-its-kind hospitality offering set within a sprawling natural and wildlife reserve, which is expected to be home to 50,000 African animal species.

9. Moon Retreat

This will be a new feature at the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism destination, which is expected to welcome guests by the end of this year. This will be Shurooq’s second boutique hospitality offering in the Mleiha region with the first one being Mysk Al Faya Retreat, which is part of Sharjah Collection.

Shurooq said that more leisure, tourism and hospitality projects will be announced later in Mleiha, Al Dhaid and Khorfakkan, following the success of its ventures such as The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah, eco-tourism and hospitality offerings under the Sharjah Collection brand, Khorfakkan Beach and Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism destinations.