Picture used for illutrative purpose only.

Jihan Shuaib, Staff Reporter

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved plans for a new bird and animal market next to the Souq Al Jubail in Sharjah City and instructed the authorities concerned to carry out the project immediately.

A tender for the market project is being put forward and a contractor is being selected for the work, which is scheduled to take about 15 months, said Eng. Ali Bin Shaheen Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Sharjah Public Works Department and Member of Sharjah Executive Council, via the ‘Direct Line’ programme broadcasted live on Sharjah Radio and TV.

The market is distinguished by its strategic location in the Jubail area overlooking the Sharjah Creek and Al Layyah and its design would follow the Islamic style, he added.

In addition to birds, the market would be devoted to pets, domesticated animals and ornamental fish, he said, adding that it would be a point of attraction for tourists and at the same time, a landmark to be added to the series of buildings located on Khalid Lagoon and Sharjah Creek.

Al Suwaidi explained that the market would include an interactive hollow dome, which simulates the architectural style of the building and serves the movement of birds in place, in addition to a glass-covered tropical park under its main dome run by an international company.

The market would incorporate a large outdoor yard with green spaces for bird breeders to hold their shows and auctions in winter in addition to a building at the main entrance to the market to serve the market-related events.

The air-conditioned market will consist of two floors: a ground floor for the owners of pets, domesticated animals and ornamental fish and an upper floor for shopping stores where bird and animal supplies are sold.