Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council, announced a series of new projects in Kalba.
These include the 'Kalba Gate' project, a new museum showcasing all heritage aspects, including customs, traditions and folk songs, and a park surrounding the flood-devastated Khor Kalba Fort.
Sheikh Dr Sultan also announced an environmental, archaeological and heritage tourism programme for Kalba, which draws on the city's existing qualities. He also highlighted ongoing work to complete the 'Kalba Gate' project, a pathway that connects the hanging gardens with Al Hefaiyah Lake.
The city plans on a moon-shaped project, about 850 metres above the sea level on Jebel Deem, Ghamam (‘above the clouds’). The first floor will have a restaurant, an open café, and a reading room, while the ground floor will house viewing platforms, a multipurpose hall and a prayer room.
The mountains will turn green with more than 4,500 trees – including olive, pomegranate, grape and apple – that have been planted.
The emirate is no stranger to projects on mountains, with a football stadium to be built at 850 feet above sea level for Kalba Club. This will be done to reduce humidity affecting the players, the Sharjah Ruler said. There will be a difference of about 10℃ in the stadium.
Earlier, the emirate's ruler established the Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone in Kalba, catering to entrepreneurs and companies in the industry. With connectivity to regional and international partners, the zone will offer training and growth opportunities to build local expertise.
With a premium location and innovative facilities, the zone also aims to attract investment in Artificial Intelligence, communication technologies and data centres.