Kalba projects will bring lasting happiness: Sultan

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, announced that he would inaugurate a number of development projects in the city of Kalba during the upcoming month of December, bringing good news to its residents of stability, comfort, and services, and wishing them “lasting happiness.” His Highness also referred to the promise he made on April 14, 2019, to the residents of the city to begin development work at dawn the following day, noting that work has been ongoing since that time.

CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT OVER SEVEN YEARS: The Ruler of Sharjah said, in a phone call on the “Direct Line” programme: “For seven years, we have been working without stopping to develop the city of Kalba. By the grace of God, we have completed beautiful projects, and we will inaugurate Jabel Deem with its roads, landscaping, and rest areas, as December will witness many openings.”

KEY PROJECTS TO BE INAUGURATED: His Highness added: “We will inaugurate Al Hayar, which includes a rest area and a lake, as well as the roads of Wadi Al Helo, compensation buildings, and the corniche. We are currently in a state of continuous work, as only seven months remain until the opening. We are also working on the area behind the University of Kalba, extending to the sea, where this location will feature a beautiful model known as ‘Khor Kalba City.’ All the houses there have been transformed into rental lodges similar to hotels. The city also includes beautiful forts and mosques, and everything in it has been studied from an archaeological and historical perspective. This area will flourish, noting that the city is surrounded by a wall.”

RACE AGAINST TIME TO COMPLETE INFRASTRUCTURE: His Highness continued: “We are now racing against time to complete all these projects. We are also working on major roads, including a road parallel to Al Wahda Street, extending from behind the university to the wall, and another road from the corniche to the ring road, as well as an intersection at an old fort located in the middle of a large roundabout. We are also working on completing Al Furaish Lake project behind Al Murash Square, which is approximately 750 metres long. The project will be an enjoyable park for children, similar to Al Rafisah Dam project. Trees are currently being planted on the mountain in this area, and there are waterfalls among the trees flowing into the sea. People will be able to park their cars, walk, stroll, and enjoy the place.”

COMMITMENT TO ONGOING DEVELOPMENT: His Highness concluded: “We bring good news to the people of Kalba that the inauguration of these projects is not the end of the journey, and we will continue with further inaugurations. We assure them of stability, comfort, and services of all kinds, including sewage systems and rainwater drainage. God willing, these projects will represent ‘lasting happiness’ for the residents of Kalba. The city is beautiful and enables us to carry out these development and recreational projects. By the grace of God, we have accomplished much in Kalba, and government departments have become architectural landmarks.”

According to a recent report, His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi intervened to suspend the decision by the Department of Economic Development in Sharjah to shut down the tourist boat project operated by citizen Abu Hamad from Kalba. The closure was initially ordered over concerns that the boat’s propellers could endanger the rare turtles inhabiting the lake. Demonstrating a commitment to both public welfare and environmental protection, His Highness pledged to replace the boats with propeller-free models specifically designed to coexist harmoniously with wildlife in such sensitive ecosystems.

During a phone conversation on the “Direct Line” programme, aired on Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, His Highness also shared encouraging news with Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. He confirmed that the much-anticipated “Above the Clouds” rest area is on track to open by the end of this year or early next year, God willing.