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Sharjah: A place for expats to call home

Afkar Abdullah speaks to top officials, heads of government departments and families to find out what makes it their favourite destination to make a home.

Sharjah, the nation's cultural capital, is a family-friendly destination attracting people from various countries to make it their home. From affordable rents, lower electricity and water tariffs to a ban on alcohol and a disciplined law, Sharjah is the preferred location for many families to live even if they work in other emirates. Its calmness, safety and strategic location have added to its attractions. Afkar Abdullah speaks to top officials, heads of government departments and families to find out what makes it their favourite destination to make a home.

Sharjah's strategic location

For Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah's strategic location as a connecting point of all emirates has played a great role in attracting families.

"For us at Shurooq, we see 'family friendly' destinations and projects as a key focus while positioning Sharjah as one of the top-tier tourism and family destinations in the travel industry.

"We also focus on research and implementing initiatives that cater to the needs of families, as well as a host of entertainment events that promote the experience of families coming together under one of the most symbolic tourism destinations," he added.

For instance, the beautiful Al Majaz Waterfront, one of the most popular destinations in Sharjah was developed by Shurooq. It continues to attract families with children of different ages.

Al Qasba, yet another premiere destination, offers families a unique mix of gastronomy, entertainment and a cordial and safe atmosphere, all under one roof.

For the water babies, Al Montazah Amusement and Waterpark continues to attract tourists and residents alike, all of whom are on the look out for some fun moments with the family.

"Aligning our development strategy with that of Sharjah in terms of spreading education and engagement, Heart of Sharjah is one of our culturally authentic destinations offering tourists and residents the most engaging and educational experience of Sharjah's history and its heritage and cultural values," he added.

Municipal services that offer comfort

Distinguishing features that blend originality, heritage and history with modern, luxurious architecture and amenities is what attracts families to Sharjah according to Riyad Al Ailan, Director-General of Sharjah Municipality.

Its museums, traditional souqs, modern shopping malls and other forms of entertainment keep the city alive. The emirate has as many as 53 residential parks offering the much needed lung space and various types of rides and play areas for children. The emirate's women's only parks are also popular.

Sharjah Municipality works for the convenience of its residents and visitors and it is towards this end that it converted many areas into paid parking zones. The Sharjah International Airport is located 15km east of the city centre, and buses are accessible throughout the city and run from 5.30am to 23.30pm.

The orange buses are easily identifiable, and stops have covered booths with signs in Arabic and English.

The government also provides special services to those with special needs. Schools, rehabilitation centres and entertainment activities are just a few examples.

Special areas are earmarked for such people especially in parking areas for easy accessibility. In addition to this, special rides have been earmarked for special needs children.

"Sharjah Municipality is keen on implementing international standards and measures to provide safety, services and facilities for people with special needs, pregnant women, elderly and people with vision impaired disability," he added.

Lowest power tariff in UAE

The services provided by government entities including the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) have made it the most favoured emirate, according to Dr Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of the Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority.

"Sewa has succeeded in satisfying Sharjah residents through its reliable services of supplying power, water and natural gas," said Dr Al Leem. The Sewa follows the best international standards and most advanced technologies supervised by qualified and skilled workers. One of the factors that attracts families to live in Sharjah is the electricity tariff which is amongst the lowest in the UAE.

Sewa recently brought the tariff under a unified structure to make it affordable to all residents and match with the tariff of the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa).

The other achievements of Sewa, under the guidance and instruction of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme council and Ruler of Sharjah, are the ambitious expansions and development projects to cope with the pace of the constructional expansions in the emirate.

It has upgraded its water supplies and developed more desalination plants and well fields. Sewa produces water based on best international water quality standards and specifications. "The average salt in the water is only 500mg for one litre," said Al Leem.

Dr Al Leem pointed out that Sewa has also established the Zulal Water Factory as a non-profitable government establishment to produce quality bottled fresh water with best international standards and specifications for residents.

Safety and security

It is the safety and security of the place that attracts visitors to the emirate, according to Brigadier Saif Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of the Sharjah Police. Cameras have been installed on all roads and are monitored 24/7 by officers at the operations room. All commercial centres, malls, big outlets, gold souqs as well as residential buildings have been instructed to instal cameras. Traffic, security and community patrols have also been deployed round the clock in various parts of the emirate.

The police have also allocated emergency and non-emergency numbers for residents to report incidents, accidents and crimes. There are also plans to increase patrols and the number of cameras to cover the entire emirate by 2017.

For the best education

Sharjah's public and private schools in addition to universities provide the best education to its students. Some of the major universities are:

> The Sharjah English School

> American Community School, Sharjah,

> Sharjah Indian School

> Delhi Private School

> Gulf Asian English School

> Our Own English High School (Main Branch and Boy)