Sharjah: A number of projects aimed at developing tourism in Sharjah’s Al Dhaid City are under examination, according to the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
Plans proposing the expansion of tourism destinations and sports facilities in one of Sharjah’s oldest cities aim to develop several sectors in the emirate. The projects which aim to preserve the city’s heritage areas include the building of new markets, sporting, leisure and tourist facilities for residents and visitors.
Falling under the emirate’s overall strategy to improve its source of income through the development of tourism, the new plans were discussed in a meeting attended by Marwan Bin Jasem Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, along with several senior government officials.
Al Dhaid’s geographical and historic attractions such as Al Hisn Fort, Sharjah’s oldest castles and the fish and dates market were considered factors that will enable the city to become a major tourist attraction after renovation and development work is completed.
The new phase of tourism and heritage growth will also include the transformation of many farms within the city into tourist accommodation, said Al Sarkal. It will also aim at attracting equestrian enthusiasts through the building of stables which will focus on oasis and camel racing, he added. Located 48km to the east of the city of Sharjah, Al Dhaid city has a population of 37,000 which includes a large number of expatriates.
Distinguished by its fertile land and numerous farms, the city also forms one of the major agricultural centres in the UAE.
