Tag Archives: Sharjah

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced the opening of two new parks in the Al Rahmaniyah neighbourhood in Sharjah including a female-only park. Managed by Shurooq under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the adjoining Kshisha and Shaghrafa parks feature social, entertainment, sports, and educational facilities, and have a combined built area of 147,700 sqm.  Dedicated to families, the Kshisha Park hosts football and volleyball courts, a library, amphitheater, fitness hub, jogging, and cycling tracks, playgrounds, skateboard range, and specially designed halls for holding workshops. Moreover, it houses an artificial pond with a duck feeding station with clear feeding instructions for visitors. Designed exclusively for females, Shaghrafa Park contains dedicated halls for conducting workshops, and features play areas, a theatre, jogging track, gym, and basket and volleyball courts. Visitors can bring their own food into the parks, although on-site barbeques are prohibited. Shurooq is currently working on adding designated barbeque spots at both parks. Visitors to Kshisha Park can pre-book the football field for AED 250 per hour or AED 450 for two hours at specific time slots, the volleyball court will be charged at AED 150 for an hour and 250 for two hours. At Shaghrafa, visitors will have free access to both the basketball and volleyball courts. Booing sports field in both parks are via a dedicated WhatsApp number The park’s facilities are open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday. Visiting hours extend until 11 p.m. on Thursday – Saturday and official holidays, and from 12 p.m. until 11 p.m. during the Holy month of Ramadan. However, the jogging tracks …

Sharjah recently opened an amphitheatre in the city’s eastern region enclave. Built on a total area of 190,000 sq.ft., this stunning Roman-style attraction is Sharjah’s latest cultural and architectural landmark. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), and several members from local media houses outlets attended the tour to explore the venue and learn about its state-of-the-art facilities. Strategically located on an elevated hillock, at the foot of the Al Sayed mountain, the amphitheatre offers sweeping views of the KhorfakkanCorniche. This open-air semi-circular space boasts an imposing stone façade made up of 235 arches and 295 columns, and can host 3,600 people at a time. As the group continued their tour of the vast amphitheatre site, the SMC Chairman briefed media representatives on its unique characteristics including the world-class technologies that power the venue’s audio-visual and lighting systems to offer guests remarkable cultural experiences including live concerts. He also mentioned that the amphitheatre features state-of the-art cooling systems, which will allow it to host visitors and big events throughout the year. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said, “Historically, cultural hubs have played a key role in fuelling knowledge and creativity. Amphitheaters, in particular, have been serving as the gathering place for such pursuits, for centuries. The Khorfakkan Amphitheatre is a spectacular new addition to the city’s cultural and touristic landscape. A popular destination in Sharjah, picturesque Khorfakkan has served as a hub for people to explore art and culture, and connect with our natural landscape. This amphitheatre adds an accent to these experiences – opening a new window to the world to come and enjoy Emirati, Arab and international …

Arada has unveiled the opening line-up of films to be screened at Movie Nights at Aljada, the new drive-in cinema that is launching today at the mixed-use megaproject in the heart of New Sharjah. The schedule includes a wide range of family, action and comedy classics, in both Arabic and English. All films at the 150-capacity cinema will be free to enter, on a first-come, first-served basis, with all current and future government guidelines with regard to social distancing and safety strictly adhered to. The first movie to be shown at the cinema will be superhero classic The Avengers, which will be screened at 8pm on Wednesday July 1 at Madar at Aljada, the recently opened family entertainment destination. The 2018 blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians will be screened at the same time on Thursday July 2, with Pixar family favourite Toy Story showing on Friday 3 July and Marvel smash hit Black Panther on Saturday July 4. Visitors to the cinema will also be allocated specific parking spaces, depending on the size of their car, and will be able to access the sound of the movie by tuning their car radios to 87.7 FM. All guests are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes before the film is scheduled to begin, switch their headlights off and remain in their cars at all times. HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Arada, said, “We have been delighted with the response to the launch of Madar at Aljada, which has now welcomed well over 130,000 visitors since its public opening in February. Movie Nights at Aljada is just one of a number of exciting plans we have to improve Madar …

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is at the World Travel Market (WTM) London for the 17th consecutive year as part of its intensified campaign to promote Sharjah’s diverse and unique tourist offerings on the world stage. During the event, SCTDA will showcase a range of attractions that make Sharjah one of the region’s favorite family destinations on the world map today. In cooperation with its partners from the public and private sectors, SCTDA will also promote tourism programmes and initiatives designed to attract tourists to the emirate, cultural and eco-tourism products, a wide range of sports, recreational and artistic activities, and adventure packages capable of delivering an enhanced tourist experience. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said, “WTM 2019 will allow us to raise awareness about Sharjah’s growing tourism sector. It will enable the Authority to help put Sharjah on the world tourism map and entice more tourists worldwide, including travellers from the UK, Ireland, and other parts of Europe, thus bringing us closer to our goal of attracting 10 million visitors by 2021.”   H.E. Al Midfa concluded, “Our participation at the WTM is part of our response to the directive of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to make Sharjah a global touristic destination. During the event, we will have an opportunity to see the latest trends in the global tourism sector, showcase Sharjah’s beauty and offerings such as events, festivals, and exhibitions, meet and exchange experiences with decision-makers, and learn about the latest practices in tourism, hospitality, and travel.”

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) showcased a selection of its eight luxurious boutique-style projects and eco-destinations and share the latest updates on Sharjah’s booming tourism sector at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2019, to be held from November 4 – 6, in London, UK. The ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand, operated and managed by Mysk by Shaza, will be one of Shurooq’s key highlights for WTM 2019 visitors and industry experts visiting the Sharjah Pavilion led by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). All three destinations under the brand are now fully operational, and WTM London is an opportunity for global travel buyers and hospitality professionals to take a closer look at each one’s unique offerings. The boutique hotels and eco-retreats promoted under the ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand includes Kingfisher Lodge, a 5-star nature retreat and fully-equipped tented lodge that opens out to the pristine mangrove ecosystem at Al Qurm Nature Reserve in Kalba; Al Faya Lodge, a luxury stay built using sustainable and robust materials, set amidst the dramatic desert landscape of Mleiha; and Al Badayer Oasis, a castle-style desert resort featuring luxurious rooms and traditional tents overlooking the sweeping sand dunes of central Sharjah.  Through these three projects, Shurooq seeks to showcase its vision for developing ecotourism projects that are inspired by the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage and designed in a contemporary, stylish setting. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer, Shurooq, said, “At WTM 2019 in London, Shurooq aims to highlight its emphasis on sustainable tourism development, promote responsible tourism, and underscore the potential of ecotourism in the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. By focusing on sustainable tourism projects, we are doubling our efforts …

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier, now offers direct flights between Sharjah and Vienna. The non-stop six-hour flight to Vienna, will operate four times a week, on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and will be expanded to daily flight service as of mid-December. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia and Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport, officially inaugurated the new route at a press briefing in Vienna. Commenting on the inaugural launch of the route, Adel Al Ali said, “We are pleased to start our direct flights connecting Sharjah and Vienna. This new service will provide our customers in the UAE and Austria with a great opportunity to discover the beauty of both countries while enjoying Air Arabia’s value-for-money offers.” “In recent years, we have seen a significant rise in number of tourists from the UAE and Vienna is a popular destination amongst Arab travellers. The city of Vienna greatly benefits from Air Arabia’s new direct flight connection to Vienna Airport. We have registered close to 13% growth on flights to the Middle East since the beginning of the year. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors from the Middle East to this beautiful city,” stated Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has launched the ninth edition of Sharjah Light Festival from February 6-16, 2019 under the patronage of H H Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The festival will present a line-up of renowned artists during its 11-day run, spread across 20 shows throughout the emirate, on the theme ‘Culture and Family.’ The theme of Sharjah Light Festival 2019 will illuminate 17 leading locations in the emirate of Sharjah including Sharjah University City Campus Avenue, Sharjah Police Academy, University City Hall, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah Book Authority, Sharjah City Municipality, Khalid Lagoon, Masjid Al Noor; Al Qasba (Internal Facades), Palm Oasis- Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Directorate of Human Resources – Kalba, Municipality and Municipal Council – Al Hamriyah & Kalba; Municipality and Municipal Council – Khorfakkan, Directorate of Town Planning Department – Khorfakkan; and Masjid Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmad Al Qasimi – Dibba Al-Hisn will light up in motifs that encapsulate the significance of culture and family, as part of the festival. H E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA, said, “The festival has achieved great success over the past years, embodying the most important tourist attractions in Sharjah whilst reflecting the richness of the emirate’s culture. There will be a range of artistic performances and a showcase of historical architecture through modern lighting techniques such as laser mapping, which will be shown for the first time in Al Qasba and Khalid Lagoon.” The light shows will be accompanied by specially composed music by renowned artists from all over the world. The daily shows will run from 6:00 pm to 11:00 …

Turkish Airlines has announced the launch of direct flights between Sharjah and Istanbul. With existing services from Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport, Turkish Airlines’ new Sharjah route marks its fourth destination into the UAE. Flights from Sharjah International Airport will be operated seven times a week in both directions with the inaugural flight departing on April 5, 2019. Customers can book a ticket from Sharjah to Istanbul for a price as low as 999 AED for Economy and 5,999 AED for Business Class, flights from Sharjah to Europe for prices starting from 1,500 AED, or to the Americas for prices starting from 2,600 AED if the booking is made before March 31, for trips until July 3. All passengers booking a flight from Sharjah International Airport in February with departure in April will earn 1,000 miles for each ticket. The new route bolsters Turkish Airlines’ status as the airline that flies to the most destinations in the world, strengthening its identity as a leading global airline with one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world. “Our aim with this new route is to meet the rising demand for greater international travel options into and out of Sharjah,” commented Ahmet Olmuştur, Chief Marketing Officer, Turkish Airlines. “The UAE is known for being a travel-hungry part of the world, and now, more customers can capitalise on Turkish Airlines’ unparalleled network of destinations as we continue to explore even more new routes..”

Air India Express has announced that it will launch flights from Sharjah to Surat from February 16, 2019. Initially, the airline will provide a twice weekly service connecting the two destinations. Shyam Sundar, CEO, Air India Express stated that this service will be the 47th non-stop direct connection of the airline between India and the Gulf Region. Flight IX–172 will depart from Sharjah at 7:35 pm and arrive in Surat at 11:45 pm on Mondays and Saturdays. Flight IX–171 from Surat to Sahrjah will depart from Surat at 12:30 am (half past midnight) with arrival into Sharjah at 02:15 am on Tuesdays and Sundays. He further reiterated that the service will be upgraded to four flights a week in the summer schedule. The Sharjah-Surat service will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and in return directions, the service will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Four Points by Sheraton is all set to open its doors for guests in Sharjah during mid-January. With 225 contemporary guest rooms, the hotel offers views of the traditional Blue Souq and Water Lagoon from higher floors. With a sizeable inventory of inter-connecting and twin rooms to accommodate families and large groups, this will be the brand’s first hotel in the Emirate complementing the existing sister brand, the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa. Ideally located in the centre of Sharjah on King Faisal Street close to Al Ittihad Square, the newest city hotel will have easy access for leisure with Al Majaz Waterfront in the south and for business in the north with the Bank Street. The Four Points hotel is directly connected with one of the most prestigious business towers in Sharjah and an upmarket shopping mall within the same premises. Furthermore, the hotel stands at the end of the famous Sharjah Buhairah Corniche offering many options for dining and family entertainment. The hotel presents a range of Food and Beverage options with the Mediterranean styled all-day dining restaurant – Yasmina and casual dining with Cheeky Chan offering Asian-fusion favourites. Signature Coffee brews with savoury snacks at the Library Café and a pool-side Tea Garden caters to the in-between needs of the guests. Six modern and well-designed meeting spaces in the hotel are enhanced with natural daylight and latest technology to facilitate business discussions, team building activities and social gatherings. Recreational services at the hotel includes an open-air swimming pool and a kid’s pool on the 8th floor with a stunning view of the sunset over Sharjah. The Four Points by Sheraton will be the second hotel by …