Sharjah unveils rose water fountain, rare lizard reserve and Khor Fakkan upgrades
Mountain rest areas planned to enhance views without harming ecosystem
DUBAI – Sharjah is advancing a series of development and conservation projects across its eastern region, with fresh details emerging on plans for Khor Fakkan alongside previously announced landmarks in Kalba.
The emirate’s leadership has highlighted a balanced approach that combines tourism, infrastructure expansion and environmental protection.
New revelations include a protected coastal reserve, scenic mountain viewpoints and continued upgrades to public facilities.
Fragrant welcome
Work remains under way on a new roundabout at the western entrance of Kalba, designed to create a distinctive arrival experience. The centrepiece will be a fountain spraying rose water, filling the surrounding space with a floral fragrance.
A pedestrian tunnel beneath the road will allow safe access to the roundabout’s centre, enabling visitors to walk through and experience the feature without traffic disruption. The development is part of ongoing efforts to enhance urban spaces with cultural and sensory elements.
Protected reserve
In Khor Fakkan, authorities have confirmed the existence of a protected reserve at Al Qalqali beach, home to a rare species of lizard found nowhere else in the world. The species has been internationally registered under the name of Sharjah, specifically Khor Fakkan, underscoring its global ecological significance.
The reserve remains strictly off-limits to the public due to its sensitive habitat. The area features low mountains along the shoreline, where the lizards live in burrows beneath rocks and emerge to feed on small crabs. Officials have stressed that preserving this ecosystem is a priority, with restrictions also linked to safety concerns, as the coastal zone is not suitable for swimming or picnicking.
To ensure visitors can still enjoy the landscape, plans are in place to develop designated rest areas on nearby sloping mountains. These elevated points will provide panoramic views of the coastline while keeping the protected zone undisturbed. The project, to be undertaken by Sharjah Islamic Bank, will be accessible once the road network is completed.
Cooling initiative
Further works are progressing to upgrade infrastructure near the Al Musalla area in Khor Fakkan, including road paving, sewage systems and essential services for nearby residences. At the same time, natural features such as the black mountains are being preserved without alteration.
A tree-planting programme is also under way, involving specialised species selected to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. The initiative aims to transform parts of the city into cooler, greener spaces, creating a more comfortable environment for residents and visitors.
حاكم الشارقة: طبيعة خورفكان مؤهلة للمشاريع المبهرة وسيسعد أهلهاhttps://t.co/PYDQqjJWrq pic.twitter.com/8NG3otnONE
— sharjahmedia (@sharjahmedia) April 6, 2026
The projects were outlined during the ‘Direct Line’ programme, reflecting ongoing efforts to utilise natural assets while introducing carefully planned developments across Sharjah’s eastern cities.