Sharjah unveils 7mn sq ft Abu Al-Kizan Marine Village inspired by Italy’s coastal towns
Waterfront destination to feature 285 buildings and integrated facilities
SHARJAH – His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, laid the foundation stone on Thursday morning for the Abu Al-Kizan Marine Village project in Khorfakkan, marking the launch of a major tourism and urban development on the emirate’s east coast.
The project forms part of his wider vision to enhance quality of life and expand tourism and residential destinations across Sharjah. Designed around the natural coastal landscape, the development combines waterfront living, hospitality and commercial spaces within an integrated marine environment.
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi reviewed the masterplan for the project, which spans a total area of 7 million square feet. The development takes inspiration from renowned coastal villages in Italy, incorporating architecture influenced by the traditional Ligurian style alongside elements of Islamic architecture.
Abu Al-Kizan Marine Village
The project will feature colourful terraced buildings clustered around a small natural harbour carved into the rocks, overlooking the sea and surrounded by panoramic views. The design seeks to create a distinctive waterfront destination integrated with the surrounding natural environment.
حاكم الشارقة يفتتح منتجع خورفكان بتكلفة 700 مليون درهم ويضع حجر الأساس لمشروع قرية أبو الكيزان البحرية في خورفكان pic.twitter.com/9osCwJuizs
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Officials briefed the Sharjah Ruler on the project’s facilities and infrastructure, including green spaces, a main boulevard promenade, a beach, and a network of roads and pedestrian walkways. The development is designed to provide an integrated urban environment for residents and visitors while enhancing services across the area.
The name “Abu Al-Kizan” reflects both heritage and nature. “Kizan” is the plural of “Koz”, a large shellfish belonging to the mollusc family, linking the project closely to the marine identity of Khorfakkan and its coastal ecosystem.
Integrated destination
The Abu Al-Kizan Marine Village enjoys a strategic location connected to several major landmarks and services in Khorfakkan, including Khorfakkan Corniche, the Old Souq, Khorfakkan Port and Al Suhub Rest Area. The connectivity is expected to strengthen the project’s position as a tourism and investment destination on the emirate’s eastern coastline.
حاكم الشارقة يفتتح منتجع خورفكان بتكلفة 700 مليون درهم pic.twitter.com/C5DCqxNqNX
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The development includes 201 land plots allocated for the construction of 285 buildings with varying layouts and uses. Plans include multi-storey residential buildings, residential villas, and mixed-use structures combining commercial and residential functions. The project will also feature office and retail areas, a hotel and a mosque, creating a diverse urban community designed to serve multiple needs.
Sustainable design
The project’s design takes into account the topography and natural characteristics of the site, particularly in the distribution of building heights. Environmental considerations also form a key part of the development strategy, with sustainable standards introduced to help preserve marine habitats and protect biodiversity in the surrounding area.
The masterplan aims to minimise ecological impact while maintaining the balance of the coastal ecosystem and protecting living organisms within the marine environment. The project reflects Sharjah’s continued focus on sustainable tourism and urban developments that combine environmental awareness with integrated infrastructure and architectural aesthetics.
Accompanying His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi during the foundation stone ceremony were Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of Sharjah Islamic Bank; Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Aisha Rashid Deemas, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority; Dr Salah bin Butti Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Initiatives Implementation Authority in Sharjah (Mubadara); Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank; Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al Mar, Chairman of Khorfakkan Municipal Council; along with several senior officials.