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SHARJAH/ WAM
Imagine a city where clean energy powers every home and business. Where waste is diverted from landfills, and food is grown sustainably, where people can walk, bike, or take public transportation without worrying about traffic congestion!
This is the vision of Sharjah Sustainable City, a pioneering community that is setting the standard for sustainable living. Their urban farms provide a glimpse of the future of food production. Using innovative techniques such as hydroponics and aquaponics, the farm produces fresh, chemical-free produce year-round.
The city’s wastewater treatment system is another example of its commitment to sustainability. The system uses advanced technologies to clean wastewater to a level that allows it to be reused for irrigation and other purposes.
Sharjah Sustainable City is also designed to be walkable and bikeable, with wide sidewalks and bike lanes connecting all parts of the community. This helps to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. This visionary multi-purpose project was developed in collaboration between the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Diamond Developers. It is located in Al Rahmaniya, Sharjah, and adheres to the highest social, environmental, and economic sustainability standards, serving as a blueprint for future cities.
The project has been awarded the “Best International Sustainable Residential Development” and the “Best Sustainable Residential Development Arabia” at the prestigious International Property Awards 2022-2023.
Sharjah Sustainable City is a 7.2 million square foot community that is designed to minimise its environmental impact. It features 1,250 villas that are specially designed to be energy-efficient and water-wise. Of these, 280 residential units were completed and delivered last year. The second and third phases are currently under construction, accounting for a total of 646 units, while the fourth phase is set to incorporate 324 additional units.
The community also includes a range of multi-purpose facilities, sports and fitness amenities, separate gyms for men and women, medical clinics, retail stores, food and beverage outlets, and a nursery, all of which are designed to be sustainable.
In a short space of time since its launch, the city has rapidly established itself as a preferred residential destination in Sharjah, generating savings of up to 50 percent on residents’ utility bills through a wide array of unique features, including no service fees for the first five years and smart homes equipped with solar panels and energy-efficient appliances.
In its four phases, the city plans to install 80 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to support green mobility efforts and offer more ways for residents to reduce their carbon footprint.
The city treats 100 percent of its wastewater for use in irrigating green spaces and is committed to recycling the maximum possible waste to reduce the pressure on landfills. It also offers distinctive facilities, including greenhouses using vertical farming techniques, with a production capacity of some 90,000 kilogrammes of chemical-free, locally produced vegetables.
Sharjah Sustainable City aims to rely entirely on zero-emission energy sources, so it is developing a community that values environmentally friendly practices and sustainable living. The city also aims to gain international recognition and establish Sharjah as the premier real estate investment destination in the region.
The city provides opportunities for research and practical learning in various areas of sustainability, contributing to the development of an exceptional community that will help reduce carbon emissions.
Sharjah Sustainable City is actively contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The city launched an annual farming initiative to educate and encourage residents to create a low-emission future. Through this initiative, residents can learn about how to select the most suitable plants for their gardens and farms to maximise benefits and avoid plants that may negatively impact the environment. The city promotes local farming and organises various events and workshops to engage residents, especially the youth, in urban farming concepts and the importance of local food production. The city will also form new partnerships and actively engage in major events, including COP28 and the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition-Acres 2024, among others.
The city is preparing to welcome more families and individuals as the delivery date for housing units in the second phase approaches. The fourth and final phase of the city was launched on the sidelines of the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition-Acres 2023 and is expected to be completed by June 2025.
Yousif Ahmed Al-Mutawa, CEO of Sharjah Sustainable City, affirmed the increasing importance of sustainable living, especially in the context of the global challenges caused by climate change. The building environment will be a focal point of discussion at COP28, hosted by the UAE at the end of November, he added.
Al-Mutawa stressed that the event would further underscore the necessity of creating sustainable cities and communities to address crises, such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, species extinction, land degradation, and deforestation.