Ruler inaugurates Al Qasba Canal complex

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, yesterday opened the Al Qasba Canal linking Khalid and Al Khan lagoons.
The Ruler also opened new buildings on both banks of the canal which house the Islamic Education, Sciences and Culture Organisation (IESCO), non-government associations, restaurants, cafeterias and other facilities.
The Ruler arrived aboard a tourist boat which sailed from Khalid Lagoon along the kilometre-long canal to Al Khan Lagoon.
The Ruler toured the complex, opened an art exhibition by children from Islamic countries and honoured Arab publishers.
Dr Sheikh Sultan also honoured Mohammed bin Ali Al Mahmoud and Juma Al Majid, two prominent nationals, for their significant contributions to the development of culture and education in the Arab world.
Sheikh Issam bin Saqr al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information, called the Al Qasba Canal Project a major tourist and family destination.
"This vital project was ordered set up by Dr Sheikh Sultan to introduce modern Sharjah to the new millennium," Sheikh Issam said.
Sheikh Tariq bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Economic Development Department, said the "Venice-like" project would enhance Sharjah's image as an important example of cultural tourism.
The canal is five metres deep and 30 metres wide. Three bridges for vehicles and one for pedestrians were built across it.
The buildings on each bank are the Eastern Palace and Western Palace. They will house the IESCO and non-government associations including the Arabic Protection Society and the Sociologists Society.
Dr Sheikh Sultan presented shields and certificates of appreciation to four organisations which have contributed to the development of Arab culture.
They are Al Shourouq Publishing House of Egypt, Al Ratib University Publishing House of Lebanon, the Alamiyya Publishing House for Islamic Books of Saudi Arabia and the Sharjah Women's Club.
Special recognition went to Rabee' Publishing House of Syria, and Safir Establishment of Egypt for their key role in promoting children's books.