Shurooq To Set Up Environmentally-Friendly Facilities For Children With Special Needs

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is planning to set up environmentally-friendly facilities, as well as some play rides carefully chosen for children with special needs, within the Al Majaz Waterfront project.

According to Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of (Shurooq) this forms part of Shurooq’s vision to develop high-quality projects that will enhance Sharjah’s reputation as a distinguished tourist and investment destination.

He said: "In order to address environmental challenges, protect our natural environment and improve environmental practices, Shurooq, in cooperation with Bee’ah - The Sharjah Environment Company, is currently embarking on a host of eco-friendly projects and events at Al Majaz Waterfront." Al Sarkal pointed out that environmentally-friendly plants were used at the Al Majaz Waterfront project, and that the project’s LED lighting system will help conserve 93 percent of the power consumed by traditional lighting. Shurooq also used recycled materials to construct the running track and other play areas.

He added that Shurooq has designed play areas to suit all children, including those with special needs, so as to enable them to play freely with their peers.

He highlighted that Al Majaz Waterfront will host sport and entertainment amenities, which will add to the project’s reputation as a top tourist destination in Sharjah. Amenities include a running track, a mini golf course - the first of its kind in the emirate - as well as areas designated for cycling.

Al Majaz Waterfront will further house a series of international restaurants and cafes with exquisite views overlooking the Khalid Lagoon and the Musical Fountain. In addition, the project will offer open areas designated specifically for children, areas set aside for cultural and entertainment activities, a magnificent mosque with a modern Islamic architectural design, a sculpture garden, an arts area for children, a musical fountain, public amenities, parking for 1,000 vehicles, and sidewalks.

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Shurooq Announces Three Ecotourism Projects

Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), has announced that the Authority is intending to launch three ecotourism projects in Sharjah that will be the first of their kind in the emirate.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 18th annual Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which concluded yesterday at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The facility is part of a series of projects Shurooq announced during its participation in ATM 2011.

Said Al Sarkal: "Through the launch of projects such as the planned ecotourism facilities in the emirate of Sharjah, Shurooq aims to build on and maintain the natural beauty of the emirate of Sharjah. We are keen to choose the best possible sites for a tourism project of this nature, being rich in natural beauty and variety. These unique projects form an important part of our plan to boost the emirate’s tourism sector and to attract local and international tourists and investors, and will also have a positive impact on the UAE’s economic development process".

He added that Shurooq is working with various government entities in Sharjah to develop the emirate’s ecotourism sector, consulting with local and international ecotourism agencies to better protect chosen sites and preserve the emirate’s natural beauty. Studies are currently underway to ensure accurate selection of areas for such projects, with particular focus on the necessity to maintain the sensitive balance needed to protect the environment, while also developing an exclusive environment friendly tourism product.

Al Sarkal clarified that the three projects will be developed in a number of important natural reserves and islands in the emirate. Shurooq has finalized initial conceptualization of the three projects, which will be located in the city and the eastern region. Final details will be announced upon the completion and approval of the final master plan for each project.

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SHUROOQ Discusses Joint Investment Projects With Singapore

Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has stressed Authority’s determination to implement and develop a number of tourism and industry sector infrastructure development projects with Singapore in Sharjah during a meeting with Singapore’s Consul General, Dileep Nair, who called on him here at Authority’s headquarters at Al Qasba.

The meeting was attended by Saud Meqdad Suwaidi, Director of Finance ’&’ Administration and Elie Armaly Director of Business Development. Two sides discussed bilateral cooperation and means of attracting Singaporean investments into the Emirate of Sharjah. Nair was briefed on the economic and investment environment of Sharjah in particular, and the UAE in general, as well as on the privileges and facilities provided by all departments and institutions in Sharjah to boost its position as the best investment destination on both a regional and international level.

Al Sarkal, who described the Singaporean experience as "pioneering", underlined the need for joint efforts aimed at exchanging experience between the two countries, highlighting the benefits in terms of strengthened economic ties through local, regional and international partnerships and cooperation agreements.

Singapore’s Consul General expressed his happiness as this visit represents the first practical step to creating solid economic cooperation between Singapore and the emirate of Sharjah, represented by Shurooq, noting that he is fully prepared to provide various means of support to enhance cooperation and to create a unique economic partnership between the two sides.

Nair, whose visit was aimed at identifying and getting acquainted with the results of the special visit undertaken by Shurooq to Singapore, and the interaction of Singaporean companies with the delegation, stated that he would work through the Consulate to organize future meetings between Shurooq and the relevant authorities in Singapore. He further said that he would organize joint workshops that developers, investment companies, hospitality and industry sectors along with other investors wishing to invest outside Singapore, can attend, saying that these activities will help introduce the emirate of Sharjah as a business hub where investment opportunities and attractions are supported by the emirate’s economic, cultural and geographic elements. He added that it is his belief that with its promising investment opportunities, investors can benefit from the facilities and incentives offered by the various concerned institutions in Sharjah.

On his part, Al Sarkal commended Singapore’s experience in the field of infrastructure development of tourism and industry sectors, as well as its leading position following the implementation of several specific projects across various sectors, stressing that Sharjah offers an attractive environment for international investment.

During the meeting, Al Sarkal reviewed the Authority’s activities and objectives and discussed projects currently being developed by Shurooq in Sharjah along with future projects to be announced later this year.

It is worth mentioning that Singapore has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and that the government encourages companies and businessmen to invest abroad to diversify the State’s resources - the volume of Singapore’s investments abroad amounted to $174 billion in 2008. The volume of trade with world countries amounted to $513 billion in 2009 and the volume of total trade between the UAE and Singapore between 2002 and 2008 rose from $43 billion to $996 million, equivalent to AED 161.5 billion.

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