Sharjah is to build an airport on Sir Abu Nu'air, an island off the emirate's coast, according to Gulf News.

Airport development on the island will cost Dh250 million ($68 million), said the report.

Halcrow International Partnership is serving as the design consultant for the airport and its facilities.

The report said Dr. Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, had assigned the Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation to oversee construction of the airport facilities and the development of Sir Abu Nu'air Island.

Located 65 km off the coast of Sharjah, Sir Abu Nu'air Island is known for its superb beaches and natural beauty.

Archaeological finds on the island date back to the Iron Age some 3,500 years ago, says the report.

The first phase will include the replacement of the existing airstrip with a modern runway and airfield capable of accommodating Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 aircraft.

Additional infrastructure will include a passenger terminal, control tower and all other facilities needed to ensure operations and safety.

As part of the development, the existing marina will be dredged and increased in size to accommodate more yachts and leisure boats.

Facilities at the marina, including the slipway, fuelling facilities and ancillary services, will also be upgraded.

According to the report, Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation chairman Shaikh Abdullah bin Mohammad Al Thani said:

'The island is known for its beautiful beaches surrounded by coral reefs, and this low-impact development will allow many more people to enjoy its rugged beauty while simultaneously preserving its natural splendour.

'By focusing on environmentally friendly design, we will ensure that the project will be entirely pollution-free.

'The development, which will offer high-quality facilities and services for visitors to the island will preserve Sir Abu Nu'air's inimitable nature while introducing it to those who seek to discover its myriad charms,' Al Thani added in the report.