Sharjah Ruler Inaugurates Al Layyah Canal Project To Boost Tourism And Local Economy
On Thursday, the Al Layyah Canal project was officially opened by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This momentous event, held in Al Khalidiyah, was attended by notable dignitaries, including His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The initiative signifies a monumental advancement in Sharjah's infrastructure and development projects.
Upon his arrival, Sheikh Dr. Sultan initiated the inauguration by revealing a commemorative plaque. This was followed by an engaging showcase on the canal walkway. The ceremony was marked by an array of activities, including a performance by the Sharjah Maritime Academy students, a military band, a rowing race, maritime-themed folk performances, and a parade along the newly opened 600-meter canal, which links Khalid Lagoon with the Arabian Gulf.
The project's detailed briefing was presented to Sheikh Dr. Sultan through a visual presentation, outlining the key stages, timeline, execution phases, and future development plans for the area. The presentation also covered the machinery and techniques deployed in the project, aimed at improving the water circulation in Khalid Lagoon and increasing its water renewal efficiency.
The canal's design takes into account the challenges posed by climate change and rising sea levels, implementing protective rock layers along its walls to withstand wave impact and ensure stability. The canal's outlet, positioned near Souq Al Jubail, plays a crucial role in enhancing water circulation and reducing pollution levels in Khalid Lagoon.
The ambitious Al Layyah Canal project does not only consist of the water canal but also includes the construction of a breakwater, a waterfront promenade, bridges, and various service facilities. During his visit, His Highness explored the canal's surroundings, including a 330-meter-long breakwater featuring a 210-metre coastal rock barrier adjacent to the Al Layyah station, designed to protect the canal and its walls from strong waves.
Adding to the project's environmental initiatives, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan was introduced to the Coral Reef Cultivation Initiative—Protecting the Marine Future. This initiative aims to foster natural habitats for marine life, enhance fish stocks, rehabilitate damaged marine environments, and promote marine biodiversity.
A model of coral reefs from Sir Bu Nair Island was showcased, along with the cultivation techniques used. To commemorate the occasion, Sheikh Dr. Sultan initiated the coral reef planting in the Al Layyah Canal breakwater.
The Al Layyah Canal project extends further into the community with the Al Layyah Ramadan Market, which runs until 3 March 2025. This market, part of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival 2025, features family-friendly activities and showcases local youth enterprises offering innovative products.
The market aims to support youth projects, empower local entrepreneurs, and stimulate business activity in Sharjah's expanding commercial sector. It creates a vibrant social space with children's games, family gatherings, and cafés, promoting community interaction and offering a lively entertainment space for families during Ramadan.
Moreover, the canal project includes the development of two significant bridges designed to enhance connectivity. The first bridge, near the sea, is 88 meters long and 33 meters wide, featuring three traffic lanes in each direction and pedestrian walkways.
The second bridge, close to government buildings, stretches 123 meters in length and 26 meters in width, with two lanes for traffic each way and pedestrian paths. These bridges, alongside improvements to roads and parking facilities, aim to improve accessibility and further integrate the canal into the city's fabric.
The project represents a significant boost to Sharjah's tourism landscape, offering a range of entertainment, tourism, and service services that foster investment opportunities and create new employment prospects.
The inauguration ceremony saw the attendance of several senior officials and dignitaries, including Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority; Sheikh Khalid Bin Isam Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Civil Aviation Department; and Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler's Office, among others.
With inputs from WAM
Sign in with Google