In the bustling city of Mumbai, where space is a premium and housing demands are ever-increasing, the news of new residential developments elsewhere can be quite intriguing. Recently, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, announced an ambitious project that aims to enhance housing options in the UAE. During a phone interview on the program 'Direct Line', he revealed plans for a new residential neighborhood named 'Al Ashkel Neighbourhood', situated in Jabal Al Ashkel, near the Khorfakkan Club for the Disabled.
This new development will feature hundreds of homes specifically designed for citizens, marking a significant effort to address housing shortages in the region. Sheikh Sultan emphasized that the area surrounding the new neighborhood will see improved infrastructure, including a newly paved road leading to Al Rafisah. He pointed out that the homes in this mountainous region will have unique characteristics, distinguishing them from those located along the coastline, thereby catering to diverse residential preferences.
Addressing concerns among residents of Khorfakkan regarding the availability of land, Sheikh Sultan reassured them that there is no imminent shortage of residential land in the city. Many locals had feared that the housing market, particularly in the Al Harray area, had reached its limit. In fact, he noted that there are currently 270 homes under construction, divided into two groups, with 120 homes in Al Mudeife already allocated to the Department of Housing. This proactive approach aims to alleviate fears and ensure that citizens have access to adequate living spaces.
Moreover, Sheikh Sultan announced that additional plots in the Al Harray area, which were previously designated for commercial licenses, will now be repurposed for residential development. The construction process for these new homes is expected to take around two years, indicating a swift response to the pressing need for housing in the region. Furthermore, similar housing initiatives are underway in Kalba, along the ring road, where construction has already commenced in the Al Dahiyat residential neighborhood.
This visionary project not only highlights Sharjah’s commitment to improving living standards for its citizens but also reflects a broader trend of urban development across the UAE. As cities like Mumbai grapple with housing crises, such initiatives in Sharjah serve as a noteworthy example of proactive governance aimed at accommodating growing populations and improving quality of life.