Sharjah Waterfront Real Estate Growth Drives Investment And Development

Waterfront properties in Sharjah are recording strong growth in transactions, supported by diverse coastlines on the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, as well as man-made lakes and canals. Officials and experts shared this outlook during a panel discussion titled "Developing Real Estate Projects on Waterfronts", which examined residential, tourism and investment prospects.

Speakers at the session, moderated by journalist Ahmed Sultan, agreed that waterfront locations have become central to Sharjah’s real estate plans. They highlighted how mixed-use schemes, tourism projects and public amenities along the water are drawing residents, investors and visitors, while also supporting economic activity linked to leisure and hospitality sectors.

Abdullah Al Zarouni, director of the Real Estate Transactions unit at the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, said the emirate has used its coastal diversity to build integrated communities. These combine housing, retail outlets and leisure options with promenades and landscaped areas, which contribute to liveability and make projects suitable for long-term ownership and investment.

According to Al Zarouni, Sharjah records more than 10 new developments on its waterfronts during 2024 and 2025. This pipeline points to continuous expansion in the segment and increases the appeal of the wider real estate market, particularly for buyers seeking properties that offer both lifestyle benefits and resilient capital values.

Al Zarouni noted that competitive unit prices, clear regulatory frameworks and sustained government backing are lifting demand from local and international investors. Interest is especially strong for homes and commercial units facing the water, which are viewed as among the most stable real estate assets in the emirate across market cycles.

The official also referred to major water bodies created within the city, including Khalid Lake and the Qasba and Al Layyah canals. Alongside these, destinations such as Majaz Waterfront, Al Hira Corniche and Khorfakkan Corniche provide complete recreational and tourism experiences, which strengthen the long-term investment profile of surrounding neighbourhoods.

George Raymond Khouzami, CEO of AL THURIAH Real Estate Group, said vertical towers along the coast are designed to maximise sea views while keeping open areas for pedestrians and public activity. Khouzami stated that seaside units offer strong investment value because supply is limited, supporting rental returns and liquidity when owners decide to sell.

Khouzami added that buyers are shifting towards higher construction quality, smart layouts and sustainable features. Technology now plays a central role in managing buildings, improving operational efficiency and helping preserve asset value over time, which is important for institutional investors and individual owners considering long holding periods.

Farid Jamal, Chief Commercial Officer at Ajmal Makaan, explained that coastal tourism is a primary engine for waterfront development. Jamal said that when tourism and real estate planning are aligned, projects deliver strong recreational and service offerings, helping create active coastal cities that attract visitors, new residents and business activity.

Jamal stressed the need to connect economic growth with marine conservation to keep these destinations attractive over the long term. Protecting coastal ecosystems, while expanding real estate and tourism facilities, is seen as essential for maintaining Sharjah’s competitive position in waterfront properties and supporting sustainable development objectives in the years ahead.

With inputs from WAM