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A view of Majaz Waterfront Park at Sharjah. The popular recreational park, which lies next to Buhaira Corniche, has been undergoing Dh100 million renovation work since July 2010. Image Credit: Atiq-Ur-Rehman/Gulf News

Sharjah: Al Majaz Park opened its doors to the public on Thursday afternoon after being closed for over a year.

The newly named Al Majaz Waterfront is located between Jamal Abdul Nasser Street and Khalid Lagoon Corniche, a vital residential and commercial district and an important part of the city.

The popular park, which lies next to Buhaira Corniche, has been undergoing Dh100 million renovation work since July 2010.

The Al Majaz Waterfront Development Project not only affected park goers but motorists as well, who during six months last year, had to find alternative routes away from the area due to construction work on the semi-circular road surrounding the park.

Marwan Jasem Al Sarkal, Chief Executive of Shurooq, explained the finishing touches were still being applied to the first phase of the project.

Tourism destination

"Al Majaz Waterfront and its various facilities will undoubtedly enhance the emirate's status as a leading family tourism destination in the country and region."

Al Majaz Waterfront is Shurooq's debut project and is being constructed in cooperation with various government departments and authorities in Sharjah, as well as international organisations. The project covers an area of nearly three square kilometres.

Highlighting the project's offerings, Al Sarkal said that amenities include restaurants, cafes, open and covered children's play areas, entertainment and cultural areas, the Sharjah Fountain, a waterfront mosque, jogging and bike tracks, a sculpture park, children's art area, mini golf course, splash park and 1,000 parking spaces.

Although park goers will now be able to carry out their daily exercises in the park, Al Sarkal confirmed that such facilities including restaurants and coffee shops will open by the end of January 2012 during its official opening.

The musical fountain is the Waterfront's star attraction with the ability to shoot water up to 100 metres high and 220 metres wide, and which is also equipped with sound, light and laser techniques.

"The 4,700 square metre food court, situated on the banks of the lagoon opposite the dancing fountain, will house outlets and restaurants, which are in the process of finalising their interior decoration and design to open on time [by January 2012]."