Sharjah24: The directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, have been diligently implemented to develop the infrastructure of the industrial areas in the emirate and completely rehabilitate them to accommodate various commercial and community activities. His Highness continues to oversee this development. The work team, which includes the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Initiatives Implementation Authority "Mubadara", the Department of Town Planning and Survey, the Sharjah Municipality, the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, and the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, has successfully completed the development of the Industrial Area 10. They have announced the launch of the infrastructure development phase for the Al Nahda (formerly known as Industrial Area 1) and the Industrial Areas 6 and 7, at a total cost estimated at AED416 million. This ambitious endeavor, in accordance with the highest international standards, aims to significantly enhance economic competitiveness and pave the way for the development renaissance of Sharjah.

During the launch ceremony of the second phase of the project at the headquarters of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, the Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Eng. Salah bin Butti Al Muhairi, the Chairman of “Mubadara”, Engineer Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, the Chairman of Sharjah Roads and Transportation, Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, the Director General of Sharjah Municipality, Saeed Sultan Al Suwaidi, the Chairman of the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, and representatives of contracting companies and consulting offices participating in the implementation of the project were present.

Dr. Eng. Salah bin Butti Al Muhairi announced that the ongoing project phase involves converting Industrial Area 7 and the "former Industrial Area 1" into fully developed zones for investment, residential, and commercial purposes. The plan also includes relocating the area's facilities to specialized industrial zones. Additionally, Industrial Area 6 will undergo development to align with existing industrial uses while maintaining its commercial structure and the nature of its current industrial facilities.

He mentioned that the plan involves the reconstruction and surfacing of 43.5 kilometers of roads in the specified regions, with 16 kilometers in the Industrial Area, 6.22 kilometers in Al Nahda, and 5.5 kilometers in Area 7. This also encompasses the renovation of parking areas and footpaths, introduction of waste management services and drainage systems for rainwater, and enhancement of electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications infrastructure. Additionally, it includes the installation of streetlights and advanced security systems, all in compliance with the latest standards and the most rigorous security protocols.

Al Muhairi explained that by adjusting the current land uses in the project area, they can tackle the issues caused by the existing industrial activities. He noted that the area's current condition is not in line with the rapid economic growth and is not the best use considering its proximity to the city center and vital residential areas nearby.

He mentioned that the work team of the Department of Town Planning and Survey, together with a specialized expert, has formulated various planning options for the region. These options are centered on establishing a thoroughfare that runs through the project area, with prominent buildings facing the sides of the thoroughfare.

He mentioned that the project forms the core of a central services area that is looking into potential expansion in the next few decades. He highlighted that the various studies carried out for the project, such as environmental, traffic, and financial feasibility studies, helped in devising the most suitable and effective solutions for the project area. These solutions took into account the human aspect by aiming for a positive impact through diversifying the use of the area, incorporating commercial spaces, offices, and upscale residential apartments along the boulevard. This approach also focused on reducing building density, cutting infrastructure costs, and preserving numerous roads, sewage stations, and electricity stations. Furthermore, it involved the inclusion of mosques, public services, green areas, water features, and pedestrian pathways that connect to surrounding areas, as well as seating areas.

He mentioned that due to its proximity to important city centers, its location along Al Wahda Road, and the significant amount of traffic passing through it, the Department of Town Planning and Survey and the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority conducted a thorough traffic study in collaboration with experts to ensure smooth access to the project area and to facilitate traffic flow between all its service facilities.

Al Muhairi emphasised that a fair compensation arrangement has been established to balance funding the project's implementation and reimbursing the land and property owners. In collaboration with the owners and tenants, a gradual relocation plan to Industrial Area 1 has been devised.

He highlighted the significance of united endeavors and collaboration with pertinent partners in Sharjah Government organizations and establishments to realize the objectives and instructions of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in enhancing the economy and establishing a viable work setting that draws domestic and foreign investments, in order to accomplish extensive and enduring development for all business sectors in the emirate.

Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has affirmed that the agreement to develop infrastructure in several industrial zones in the emirate is a strategic move to advance sustainable industrial progress. This initiative aligns with the vision and directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, showcasing the recognition of the significance of investing in infrastructure as a fundamental element for achieving comprehensive development. It also acknowledges the contribution of the industrial sector in Sharjah towards supporting the emirate's economic diversification policy by fortifying the industrial sector, which is experiencing notable growth. This growth is attributed to the diverse production base and the successful development of the knowledge and industrial economy in the emirate, underscoring the crucial role of the industrial sector in propelling economic growth and the advancement of various other sectors. Therefore, it emphasizes the importance of undertaking infrastructure development projects.

Al Owais mentioned that the agreement represents an innovative example of effective collaboration between government entities in Sharjah, which enhances joint efforts to achieve sustainable development and helps secure the necessary funding for development projects in Industrial Areas 1, 6, and 7. This will improve the appeal of the industrial areas for both local and foreign investments, as guaranteed by the partnership agreement, which will initiate a series of projects. These projects will involve the improvement of road and transportation networks, as well as essential service facilities, to enhance the efficiency of logistical operations and create a comprehensive working environment for industrial companies. This, in turn, will attract more local and foreign investments, as the improved infrastructure and integrated services in the emirate's industrial areas will make them more appealing. These enhancements are expected to significantly improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance the competitiveness of industrial companies operating in Sharjah.

Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji emphasized the municipality's commitment to maximizing the efficiency and quality of infrastructure development projects in the Al Nahda area, specifically in the sixth and seventh Industrial Areas 6 and 7. He also mentioned that the municipality has earmarked AED300 million to support the execution of these crucial development projects.Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji stressed that the municipality will devote all its efforts to ensuring the highest possible efficiency and quality in implementing infrastructure development projects in the Al Nahda area, the sixth and seventh Industrial Areas 6 and 7. He added that the municipality has allocated AED300 million to contribute to the implementation of these vital development projects.

He emphasized that the municipality's involvement in carrying out these projects demonstrates the municipality's dedication to enhancing the infrastructure in the industrial areas of Sharjah, which in turn supports the industrial sector and the overall commercial and residential activities in the emirate. He emphasized the importance of the municipality’s collaboration with the government agencies involved in the project, as this collaboration enhances the capacity of government agencies to execute high-quality projects that contribute to bolstering Sharjah’s status as an appealing city for living, investing, and conducting business.

Engineer Youssef Khamis Al Othmani has confirmed that the authority is utilizing all its resources and capabilities to execute development projects and accomplish a comprehensive transformation in the emirate. This is in line with the Sharjah government's vision to establish infrastructure with international standards, which will help advance development, boost commercial activity, and meet the emirate's growing economic and tourism needs. To fulfill its duties, the authority aims to collaborate with various infrastructure sectors in the emirate and implement global quality standards using technology and artificial intelligence tools to achieve sustainable objectives.

He described that the organization is currently carrying out a project aimed at improving and enhancing a selection of roads in various areas. The project is focused on enhancing the infrastructure of the emirate's industrial areas, including Al Nahda, Industrial Area 6, and Industrial Area 7, covering a total distance of 43.5 kilometers. The project's execution considers climate changes and future technology while also committing to developing effective maintenance and restoration programs to ensure the sustainability of the roads.

The efficiency of a 22-kilometre road in the Al Nahda area will be increased in the first phase. This will help in facilitating movement and access to vital areas in the emirate. Additionally, a 16-kilometre road in the Sixth Industrial Zone will be developed, along with all accompanying service road works. Furthermore, 5.5 kilometers of road restoration work in Industrial Area 7 will be implemented. The Authority is utilizing all its capabilities to develop the road network using the latest equipment and mechanisms in the field. Sustainable roads will be created, and pedestrian crossings will be implemented within a well-thought-out plan. This plan ensures completion of the work in the fastest time and with the best-applied standards.

Saeed Sultan Al Suwaidi, the Chairman of the Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority, has verified that the initiation of the infrastructure development phase for Al Nahda and Industrial Areas 6 and 7 in Sharjah stands as a significant project that contributes to delivering top-notch services and initiatives to citizens and residents, while also aligning with the overall progress in Sharjah.

SEWA is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to support this important project. We will provide the necessary resources to ensure the project is completed within the specified timeframe and meets high standards and quality. Our goal is to establish efficient and effective infrastructure for electricity, water, and natural gas projects, fostering a competitive business environment and enhancing the emirate’s competitiveness. This will contribute to the development of the economic landscape, attraction of investments, and promotion of sustainable development.