Sharjah, 27th March 2012 (WAM) -- HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated Al Majaz Waterfront Project, Shurooqs debut project and the largest and latest tourism destination in the emirate of Sharjah, last evening, in the presence of HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, a number of senior officials and directors of government departments and authorities, dignitaries, and local and international media representatives.

The Ruler of Sharjah was welcomed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Central Finance, Sheikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi , Chairman of the Office of HH the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority "Shurooq", Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chairman of Department of Public Works, Sheikh Khalid bin Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thank, Chairman of Sharjah Statistics Centre, Sheikh Salem bin Abdul Rahman Al Qasimi, Director of Office of HH Ruler of Sharjah and HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of "Shurooq".

Sheikh Sultan made an inspection tour of the projects facilities and listened to a briefing about the future ambitions of this new tourism destination.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority "Shurooq", extended heartfelt thanks to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his generous patronage of various projects developed by "Shurooq". She thanked the work team for their outstanding efforts which significantly contributed to making the project a success".

"Since "Shurooq was established, we have been keen to serve as a driving force behind the development of Sharjah and strengthening its position. We have been targeting the sustainable economic, social and environmental development in the emirate. We are moving forward in developing assets and attracting investment to the emirate", Sheikha Bodour said.

"The tremendous efforts exerted by various government departments and authorities which provided the necessary support and facilities have considerably contributed to the completion of this project on time," she added.

The opening ceremony started with recitation of Holy Quran and national anthem, then Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of "Shurooq", delivered a speech in which he said that the urban and cultural development in the emirate of Sharjah would not have been possible without the support and directives of HH Ruler of Sharjah, who does not hesitate to follow up all the details related to the nation, citizens, residents and visitors, leading the emirate to be a shining beacon of civilization and culture".

"Shurooq was established by Amiri decree issued by His Highness Ruler of Sharjah in 2009 to help fulfill the ambitions of a prosperous and glorious Sharjah. The authority aims to achieve social, cultural, environmental and economic development on the basis of Sharjah's distinct Arab and Islamic identity. We embark on developing the emirate to the highest international standards, armed with hope, determination, confidence and ambition, under the logo of "Working for the Future of Sharjah"," he said.

"At Shurooq, we started working in accordance with a measured approach, exactly as other investment authorities. But the results of our initiatives and projects have showed that we have been implementing a national duty and social responsibility, particularly as the visionary leadership has put these principles as part and parcel of all our strategies", he added.

In his speech, he presented the authoritys portfolio of projects, including the Heart of Sharjah, the regions largest tourism project, the Chedi Khorfakkan in the Eastern Region and a number of yet to be announced projects. He clarified that Shurooqs projects will cover all cities and areas of the emirate, according to the directives of HH Ruler of Sharjah.

He added: "Through this new project, the authority established a unique tourism and leisure destination to meet the entertaining and social requirements of Sharjahs residents and visitors, from inside the country and abroad, and to provide the entertaining, sporting and artistic facilities for all members of family in one site".

Al Sarkal stressed that Shurooq activities was not restricted only to building but include human development, as the authority has supported the national workforce who played a major role in various Shurooqs projects.

"Constant development and progress in all fields became a tradition for the emirate of Sharjah thanks to the unlimited support of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and the mental and physical efforts made by our citizens. These milestones will help draw the urban future for citizens and will be icons in the history of the emirate. Sharjah is worthy of these achievements and the ambition of its citizens is unlimited" Al Sarkal concluded.

Al Majaz Waterfront is situated in the Emirate's most vital and commercial district on the picturesque Khalid Lagoon, between Jamal Abdul Nasser Street and the Khalid Lagoon Corniche, a highly populated area with an estimated population of 100,000. The destination is expected to attract large number of residents, visitors and tourists.

Al Majaz Waterfront boasts a number of entertaining facilities such as the Sharjah musical fountain, which is 220 metres wide and shoots water up to 100 metres into the air. It has two giant water screens, and is equipped with the latest sound and light techniques. The fountains shows have been launched end of last February.

Al Majaz Waterfront houses 10 restaurants and cafes overlooking the fountain. The waterfront boasts of one of the most stunning water views in the region.

Children can enjoy their weekend and free time at the Waterfront where special areas are specifically designated for them, such as Splash Park, the first of its kind in the Emirate, open and covered areas and play areas of the highest standards. A children's day care centre, adjacent to the play area, will also be opened soon.

The Waterfront also boasts covered areas for entertainment and cultural activities, green spaces, a distinguished mosque, kiosks for snacks and soft drinks, walking areas, public utilities and 1000 parking lots.

Shurooq had begun work on the construction of this project in mid 2010 with the aim of developing a leisure and tourism destination of choice benchmarked with the highest standards, in collaboration with various government departments and establishments, as well as with leading international companies. The project, which is valued at Dhs120m, spreads over an area of 231000 square feet.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2012.