ARADA has just announced the largest ever mixed-use development in Sharjah. The 2.2sq-km Aljada master-planned urban district was unveiled by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and is expected to house 70,000 residents once completed.

Aljada will be built in what is said to be the ‘last major plot of undeveloped land in the heart of the emirate’. The megaproject is expected to spread over an area of 224 hectares and will be 2.2km long and 1km wide. The developer says that the project has been zoned to create an integrated community where people can live an active lifestyle. According to ARADA, an extensive cycle network, running paths, parks and F&B options have been planned.

The development will also feature an entertainment and leisure precinct known as the ‘Central Hub’, which will be anchored by a musical fountain display, and will pack cafes and restaurants. Additionally, the precinct is set to feature the largest children’s adventure and discovery complex in the northern emirates, in addition to skate-parks, an extreme sports centre and other indoor/outdoor entertainment options.

Speaking about the launch, ARADA’s chairman, HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said, “Aljada reflects ARADA’s unwavering commitment to contribute to the Sharjah leadership’s vision by creating unique urban communities with ample green spaces. We want to offer residents and investors upscale living experiences that are currently unavailable in the market and ensure a better life for everyone who visits, lives, or works in Aljada. We are confident that this development will raise interest in Sharjah even further, while strengthening its position as a secure and sought-after investment destination. Aljada also seeks to attract businesses looking to establish their base out of Sharjah, the UAE’s newest booming economic hub and a thriving business-friendly environment.”

With regards to real estate, Aljada will offer standalone villas, semi-detached villas, townhouses, lofts, and apartments. The development is also said to boast ‘generous’ open spaces and facilities including F&B outlets, schools, healthcare clinics and mosques. ARADA says a significant portion of the masterplan is dedicated to green spaces and community facilities, in an effort to create an attractive opportunity for investors that ‘perfectly captures the essence of Sharjah’.

In a first for the UAE, Aljada is to feature two 2.2km long linear parks, which stretch the length of the project. The developer says this design will promote an active, healthy lifestyle and gives every resident the opportunity to enjoy green spaces that are only a short distance away from their front door. In addition, two wide tree-lined boulevards totaling 4.4km in length will provide a connection to every district in the megaproject.

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, vice chairman of ARADA, said: “Aljada is a project that stays true to its roots; it embodies the heritage of the city that lies around it, while looking forward to Sharjah’s future. With design elements that draw inspiration from Sharjah’s oldest neighborhoods to environmentally friendly building standards, Aljada really does represent the best of both worlds.”

A phased delivery schedule has been planned for the project, with the first batch of deliveries expected to begin in 2019. Construction on Aljada is set to begin in the first quarter of 2018 and is expected to be completed by 2025.

The launch of Aljada comes just a few months after the introduction of Nasma Residences, ARADA’s first real estate project.