Aljada's East Boulevard Welcomes 87 New Brands To The UAE Landscape

The shopping and lifestyle hub at the heart of the Dh35 billion Aljada megaproject in Sharjah, East Boulevard, has recently witnessed a significant expansion with the addition of 87 new dining and retail brands. This flourishing avenue now stands as a pivotal social venue within the UAE, spanning an impressive 2.2 kilometres. The recent growth in the adjacent East Village and Nest residential communities has propelled an 80% increase in open leasable space to 130,000 square feet, offering a tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly avenue for an improved customer journey.

Among the new entrants are Berenjak, a Persian cuisine concept that has successfully captivated London's Soho, and the debut of Home Bakery in Sharjah, known for its café and dining allure. French patisserie La Brioche and the Italian-American restaurant TBK, opening its second outlet after Dubai, alongside the renowned burger joint Pickl, are enhancing East Boulevard's food scene. Future openings include the Indian restaurant Rang, Chef Eyad's smoked meats, the Late Lounge coffee shop, and Mara Lounge, expanding the culinary diversity.

These join an already vibrant array of F&B outlets and retail services, including Bosporus, Five Guys, Starbucks, and Spinneys, among others, creating a comprehensive lifestyle destination. Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, highlighted the expansion's role in reinforcing Aljada as Sharjah's leading community and its contribution to the Emirate's economic growth. The high commercial demand has enabled a curated mix of offerings for both residents and visitors.

East Boulevard has attracted 2.4 million visitors in 2023, a number expected to rise following the recent surge in openings and the completion of over 7,500 homes within Aljada. The project, enveloping 24 million square feet, is poised to become a transformative destination in Sharjah, serving an estimated population of 70,000 upon completion. It features a broad spectrum of amenities, including SABIS International School-Aljada, a Wellfit flagship gym, Zad food truck park, and Aljada Skate Park, all set against a backdrop of extensive greenery.

The inclusion of retail, leisure, and entertainment options is a critical element of the Aljada master plan, catering to a broad catchment area that spans Sharjah city and parts of northern Dubai. With around 1.2 million square feet of leasable space in the Madar central district alone, and the main contract for Madar Mall slated for award in 2024, Aljada's journey towards becoming Sharjah's most dynamic and inclusive community continues unabated.