SHARJAH // Work on a Dh140 million man-made island, the centrepiece of the emirate’s celebrations for being named the Islamic Culture Capital, will take just 90 days.
Al Majaz Island, being built in Khalid Lagoon in the heart of Sharjah City, will be the official venue for next year’s festivities.
The project is part of a Dh273 million development of the area, including bridges linking it to the mainland and an open-air, 7,238-square-metre amphitheatre that seats 4,500.
“They have only 90 days to complete the whole project as it has to be officially opened in March 2014,” said Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of the executive committee for Sharjah’s Islamic Culture Capital organisation.
“We have discussed with the contractors and they have agreed on delivering the project on time and with a lot of efficiency.”
Sheikh Sultan and a team from the organisation visited the area on Thursday to check how work was progressing.
He said the early stages of building were “good and promising”.
The reclaimed land is a hive of activity with cranes and dozens of workers and engineers on site.
Al Majaz Island is poised to be a significant tourist landmark. The Dh120m amphitheatre will host international cultural and art events and include conference rooms, galleries, shops, restaurants and green areas offering a view of Al Majaz Waterfront.
A Dh13m bridge linking the island with Khalid Lagoon Street will reflect the architectural history of Sharjah and the Islamic world.
The contract for Al Majaz Island has been awarded to Gulf International Engineering Consultants and Emirates Stones, while the bridge will be built by Halcrow Group and Al Darwish Engineering.
Each year, three Islamic cities are selected from across the Arab world, Africa and Asia to represent their region as the Islamic Culture Capital. Medina in Saudi Arabia is the current Arab capital.
The Islamic Organisation for Education, Science and Culture says Sharjah’s selection was based on its long history of science, culture and knowledge, and its unique buildings and architecture.
ykakande@thenational.ae
