Sharjah: A bicycle and jogging path will soon link three emirates — from Ajman to Sharjah and then to Dubai.
The Sharjah Urban Planning Council (SUPC) on Thursday launched the Sharjah Waterfront Bicycling and Jogging Path project that will serve as the foundation of a multi-phase path network stretching across the city of Sharjah.
The 27km path will give residents and visitors an option to take eco-friendly transportation like bicycles and also promote a healthy lifestyle.
The overall waterfront project will see the development of a continuous bicycle and jogging path along Sharjah’s beach side starting from the Ajman-Sharjah border on Al Muntazah Street stretching towards Al Jubail, then on to Al Majaz Waterfront, around Khalid Lake, and on to Al Qasba. After this, the track will go towards Al Meena Street, then Al Khan lagoon and towards Al Mamzar.
The pilot project will be carried out at a stretch of 5.5km on Al Majaz Waterfront.
The project began in March when the SUPC hired a consultancy firm specialising in enhancing waterfronts to begin designing the project. The firm identified the Al Majaz section of the Waterfront as the first portion of the project that could be implemented.
Aside from a bicycle and jogging track, family amenities adjacent to the project are also being proposed.
Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, chairman of SUPC, said the new project comes as part of the vision of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to place the people’s well-being and quality of life at the top of the development agenda of the emirate and also promote sustainability.
“The cycling and jogging track project is considered one of the most fundamental developments found in advanced cities around the world as it embodies the essential concept of sustainability. It is also closely associated with the developmental drive in the economic, tourism and social sectors in addition to its positive impact on enhancing quality of life, ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all segments of society.”
Khalid Al Ali, SUPC secretary-general said the project is expected to positively impact the lives of Sharjah residents.
“It will help promote healthy lifestyles and create new sports and entertainment options. Additionally, it will bring economic benefits which will be generated by the services and integrated public utilities to be launched as part of the project which will open up new investment and business opportunities.”
The SUPC will be collaborating with different agencies and organise more meetings and workshops to exchange knowledge and expertise for the success of the project.
A workshop was held on Thursday attended by representatives from Sharjah Sport Council, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Roads and Transport Authority, the Directorate of Town Planning and Survey, Sharjah Ladies Club, Department of Public Works, and Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Department.
