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Qanat Al Qasba to become heritage capital of the UAE

DUBAI — Qanat Al Qasba, one of Sharjah's most important landmarks, will be transformed into the cultural and heritage capital of the UAE and the region when it reopens to the public next month, it was announced yesterday at a Press conference hosted by the Qasba Development Authority.

The Authority, which was recently created by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and is chaired by Shaikha Bodour Sultan Al Qasimi, will oversee the Dh70 million transformation of the Qanat (canal) into a destination of cultural variety and learning.

“Qanat Al Qasba will be the focal point of culture, allowing the world to experience the Arab heritage in Sharjah, the City of Culture in the Middle East,” stated Shaikha Bodour Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Qasba Development Authority.

Shaikh Tariq bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Board, said: “Qanat Al Qasba, and its cultural and entertainment aspects, adopts culture as its base. This project is considered the largest leisure and real estate development to be built on a canal in the entire region, which includes cultural and entertainment landmarks that are in line with the overall strategy and direction of the Emirate of Sharjah.”

Daniel During, Managing Partner of Thomas Klein International, the project's developer and manager, talked about the details of the project which has many key features.

The "Eye of the Emirates" observatory wheel will be the highest in the Middle East, Central and North Africa and South Asia. Costing a total of Dh25 million, the wheel will be 60 metres high and will offer extraordinary views of both Sharjah and Dubai. A total of 336 people can ride the wheel at one time, as it holds 42 fully air conditioned gondolas that have a capacity of 8 people each. The wheel was built in the Netherlands according to the latest technology and highest safety standards and is identical to the ones found in Birmingham in the UK, and Shanghai in China.

The second key feature would be the circus performances that are continuous for 15 months, with five different shows being featured on a quarterly basis, the first being a specially-tailored performance based on the 1001 Nights tale. The capacity of the circus will be 1000 people, with three showings a day.

A Winter Street Market with over 100 stalls will feature on each side of the Qanat. On one side, artisans from across the Gulf will be alongside master artisans from five regional artisan centre; Shiraz in Iran, Khan Al Khalili in Egypt, Fez in Morocco, Istanbul in Turkey, and Zok in Beirut. On the other, book and art sellers, similar to those seen on the old streets of Paris, will display old books and prints that are dedicated to culture lovers, offering a time-honoured trading culture that co-exists with artistic talent.