Yesterday, the Sharjah Urban Planning Council (SUPC) launched the Sharjah Waterfront Bicycling and Jogging Path project which will serve as the foundation of a multi-phase path network stretching across the City of Sharjah. This initiative by the Council is meant to improve the stature of Sharjah as an attractive destination to live and work. The project is in line with SUPC’s ambitious plans to enhance the quality of life in the Emirate by giving residents and visitors alike new healthy transportation and entertainment options in line with the best international standards.

The overall waterfront project will see the development of a continuous series of bicycle and jogging paths along the waterfront from Ajman to Dubai.   The first phase of this ambitious project will include the development of bike and jogging paths alongside the City’s popular Al Majaz Waterfront.   

In order to move the project forward, the SUPC organised a workshop to explain the objectives and vision behind the project and to get input and feedback from stakeholder agencies. The workshop was attended by representatives of a number of state departments and authorities including:

Sharjah Sport Council, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Roads and Transport Authority, The Directorate of Town Planning and Survey, Sharjah Ladies Club, Department of Public Works, and Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Department.

The workshop reviewed different phases of the projects, the alignment of the paths, the proposed family amenities adjacent to the project, materials and other relevant topics.  Additionally, the responsibilities of each department and authority concerned were clarified in order to move this project forward.

The project began in March of 2017 when the SUPC hired a reputable consultancy firm specializing in enhancing waterfronts to begin the design of this emirate wide asset. The firm identified the Al Majaz Section of the Waterfront as the first portion of the project that could be implemented.

In his comment on the launch of the project, HH Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of SUPC, said, “We are delighted to launch this new project which comes as part of the vision of  His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to place the people’s wellbeing  and quality of life at the top of the development agenda of the emirate and provide the best levels of services in line with the highest urban, organizational and architectural standards to the citizens, residents and visitors.”

His Highness added, “The cycling and jogging track project is considered one of the most fundamental developments found in advanced cities around the world as it embodies the essential concept of sustainability.  It is also closely associated with the developmental drive in the economic, tourism and social sectors in addition to its positive impact on enhancing quality of life, ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all segments of society.”

On his part, Engineer Khalid Al Ali, SUPC Secretary General said, “SUPC has benchmarked the project against a number of successful similar projects in the world’s advanced cities in order to ensure success.  Additionally, a  study has been conducted to measure the positive impact of this significant development which is expected to positively impact the lives of the people of Sharjah. It will help promote healthy lifestyles and create new sports and entertainment options. Additionally, it will bring economic benefits which will be generated by the services and integrated public utilities to be launched as part of the project which will open up new investment and business opportunities.”

Concluding Al Ali said, “The cycling and jogging paths is aligned with the needs and ambitions of different age groups of people and will enhance safe routes of school children, pedestrians and commuters.”

Since SUPC has firm belief in the importance of collaboration and ensuring synergy, the Council will organize more meetings and workshops to exchange knowledge and expertise in order to set up a suitable mechanism that ensures a successful execution of the project.