Qasba Canal authority set up to boost development

A development authority was announced yesterday for the kilometre-long Qasba Canal in Sharjah. There will be more retail and food and beverage outlets and other "important attractions".

A press release said the new authority wanted to "bring life to a place of beauty" and establish Sharjah's position as the cultural capital of the GCC.

The order was given by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who appointed Shaikha Bodour Sultan Al Qasimi as Chairwoman of the new authority.

The Qasba is considered one of Sharjah's important landmarks, featuring Andalusian-style architecture, wide sidewalks and the canal. The area houses educational, cultural and Islamic organisations.

A spokesperson for the Ruler's Office said the development authority would implement "a combination of different elements".

The changes would involve "cultural institutions as well as infrastructure for retail and food and beverage. There will be several family attractions as well".

He declined to give more information, or to reveal the structure of the new authority or its budget. The press release said the new authority had already "initiated the planning and implementation process".

The authority said it will establish the Qasba to promote Arab heritage. It also hopes to promote Qasba's existing base for arts and culture.

Under the new authority, the Qasba's name would revert back to the Arabic, Qanat Al Qasba.

The Qasba area has played host to important community functions since it opened in November 2000. They include the following:

June 5, 2002: To integrate handicapped artists into society, about 80 disabled and able-bodied artists are honoured at the Al Qasba Theatre.

April 19, 2002: Hundreds of people support the Palestinians through their contributions at a charity bazaar organised off the Al Qasba Canal.

February 2, 2002: The second Gulf Disability Society for GCC Countries begins its second meeting in the auditorium at Al Qasba Canal premises.

October 16, 2001: His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, opens the new headquarters of the Sharjah Scouts Commission off Al Qasba Canal.

September 19, 2001: Two hundred schoolchildren attend a clean-up operation off Al Qasba Canal to mark Clean-Up the World Day.