Heart of Sharjah gets go ahead

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Sharjah’s ruler has approved plans for the biggest heritage project in the Arabian gulf region, the Heart of Sharjah, in a bid to draw more trade and tourism to the emirate.

Shurooq, the Sharjah Development and Investment Authority, has set up teams to start the implementation of the plans after Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi gave the go-ahead to the Heart of Sharjah project last week.

Implemented over several phases with development work starting later this year, the project aims to revitalise the way Sharjah was in the 1950s and transform it into a tourist and trade destination with "modern contemporary artistic touches".

A joint committee, chaired by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qassimi, chairman of Shurooq, includes members from the Ruler's Office, Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah Museums Department, and Heritage Department.

Speaking of the project, Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qassimi said: “All nations hold on to their historic roots and are proud of their creativity and heritage, and our leadership is keen to highlight the UAE’s historic role, in keeping with its prosperity and distinguished human achievements that serve as a source of pride for the nation’s younger generations while moving steadily towards its future.”

She added that Shurooq was determined to develop the historic area in Sharjah in a way that helps spotlight important stages of the history of the Arabian Gulf region and brings its historic role back into the limelight.