Sharjah: A new purpose-built commercial centre and recreational park will be built for blue-collar workers, the Sharjah Labour Standards Development Authority (SLSDA) said.
To come up in Al Sajaa Industrial Area adjacent residential areas that house labourers, both facilities will provide 200,000 square feet of entertainment, commercial and health services, enabling workers to enjoy their spare time and weekends.
Organisers at the authority said: “The project will provide a recreational space for workers without having to leave their residential areas.”
A completion date or opening date for the project has not been specified. The authority did not elaborate the cost of the new project either. Salem Yousef Al Qaseer, chairman of SLSDA, said in a press release: “We believe that meeting these needs will undoubtedly contribute to the workers’ happiness, thereby increasing their productivity as well as improving the working environment, which will positively impact the emirate’s economy.”
Al Qaseer added: “Undoubtedly, this reflects the good reputation of Sharjah in international forums, as well as its keenness to ensure that workers receive their full rights, as well as ensure the implementation of the general standards necessary for empowering labour cadres in all technical and professional aspects.”
Shaikh Mohammed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, director-general of SLSDA, called the new facility one of the most important projects being developed emirate. “Building a commercial centre and labour park is a constructive step and an important idea that reflects the cultural face of Sharjah. The centre will comprise 88 shops, along with a large hypermarket spread over 10,000 square feet. In addition, the centre will also include a hospital on a total area of 7,700 square feet, along with a number of offices and private parking areas.”
Al Qasimi pointed out that the commercial centre — spread over 177,000 square feet — will also include three cinema halls, accommodating about 1,172 persons.
“The public park will be equipped with a range of public services that we expect the workers need, such as green areas, barbecue spaces, an open theatre, cricket grounds, basketball and volleyball courts, which will enable visitors to enjoy the activity they want. This aims to improve and integrate workers culturally and intellectually, in addition to keeping them healthy.”
