Sharjah Ruler to Inaugurate Seven Years of Kalba Development Projects in December

Key facts

• Kalba projects to open in December 2026.
• Development work began on April 15, 2019.
• Seven years of continuous construction activity.
• Projects include Jabel Deem, Al Hayar, and Khor Kalba City.
• Al Furaish Lake project spans approximately 750 metres.
• New road infrastructure includes a route parallel to Al Wahda Street.

Kalba Set to Unveil Major Development Milestones

Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has announced that a series of significant development projects in Kalba will officially open in December 2026. This marks the culmination of seven years of sustained urban and tourism enhancement in the coastal city, located 120km east of Sharjah city and 12km south of Fujairah. The announcements, made during a phone-in segment on the programme 'Direct Line,' signal a new chapter for Kalba, a city that has undergone a profound transformation. Sheikh Sultan highlighted that the initiative stemmed from a commitment made to the city's residents on April 14, 2019, with development work commencing the very next morning. "For seven years, we have been working without stopping to develop the city of Kalba," Sheikh Sultan stated. "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."

A Diverse Array of Public and Heritage Sites

Among the key projects slated for inauguration is Al Hayar, which features a rest area and a lake, alongside the newly constructed roads of Wadi Al Helo, compensation buildings, and the corniche. These additions are expected to significantly enhance the city's public amenities and connectivity. A particularly noteworthy development is Khor Kalba City, a historically and archaeologically curated destination taking shape behind Kalba University and extending towards the sea. This area will see existing homes transformed into hotel-style rental lodges, complemented by restored forts and mosques, all meticulously assessed from historical and archaeological perspectives. The entire zone is to be enclosed by a protective perimeter wall. "All the houses there have been converted into rental lodges like hotels. The city also includes forts and beautiful mosques, and everything in it has been studied from archaeological and historical perspectives," the Ruler confirmed.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Leisure Destinations

Beyond the specific sites, Kalba is also benefiting from substantial road infrastructure upgrades. A new road, running parallel to Al Wahda Street, will connect the area behind the university to the city wall, while a second route will link the corniche to the ring road. An old fort situated within a large roundabout is also being integrated into this revitalised road network. Meanwhile, the Al Furaish Lake project, located behind Al Murash Square and stretching approximately 750 metres, is nearing completion. Sheikh Sultan described it as a family leisure destination designed to be comparable to the popular Al Rafisah Dam project. "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," he explained.

A Commitment to Continuous Development

Sheikh Sultan emphasised that the December openings represent a significant milestone but not the conclusion of the development journey for Kalba. He assured residents that further inaugurations are planned, underscoring a commitment to providing ongoing stability, comfort, and essential services. "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," he stated. "We assure them of stability, comfort, and services of all kinds, including sewage systems and rainwater drainage." The Ruler expressed his confidence that these developments would bring "lasting happiness" to the residents, noting that the city's inherent beauty allows for the successful execution of these ambitious recreational and developmental projects. Government departments themselves are now described as architectural landmarks, reflecting the scale of the transformation.

Seven Years of Uninterrupted Progress

The seven-year period of intensive construction in Kalba began in earnest on April 15, 2019, following Sheikh Sultan's pledge to the residents. This commitment has driven a continuous cycle of work, aimed at modernising the city while preserving its historical and archaeological integrity. "We are racing against time to complete all these projects," Sheikh Dr Sultan said in a phone interview, highlighting the dedication of the teams involved. The progress made is evident in the sheer volume and scope of the projects, from new roads and public spaces to heritage preservation and tourism facilities. "By the grace of God, we have accomplished much in Kalba, and government departments have become architectural landmarks," he added, reflecting on the visible impact of the sustained development efforts.

The bottom line

• Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi will inaugurate multiple development projects in Kalba in December 2026.
• The projects are the result of seven years of continuous development work initiated on April 15, 2019.
• Key openings include Jabel Deem, Al Hayar with a lake, and the historically curated Khor Kalba City.
• New infrastructure includes significant road upgrades and the Al Furaish Lake leisure area.
• The developments aim to provide lasting happiness, stability, and comfort for Kalba's residents.
• The Ruler indicated that these openings are part of an ongoing commitment to Kalba's enhancement.