Sharjah Holding, a joint venture between the Government of Sharjah and Al Futtaim and developer of Al Zahia project in Sharjah, has announced that construction work on Phase Three of the development will start early next year

The third phase has been tendered and the main contract is expected to be awarded next month or in January 2016, says Lee Tabler, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Properties – Communities Business Unit. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by 2019.

According to Tabler, the vision behind the project was to develop new communities in Sharjah as the demand for housing is increasing in the Emirate. This will be the first gated community in Sharjah.

“Al Zahia is an environment-friendly community in Sharjah designed to meet the needs of families in all respects with areas for recreation, worship and childcare, as well as communal areas and retail facilities. It is a place for everyone, providing the comfort of a premium private space and the means to build an integrated community.”

He says the project heralds a new age for residential living in Sharjah. Its vision is about creating a community that embodies Sharjah’s traditional values in a progressive and contemporary setting. Al Zahia is a place for everyone, providing the comfort of a premium private space and the means to build an integrated community,” he concludes.

Al Zahia is located on University City Road and comprises 1,200 villas and townhouses and 1,400 garden apartments. The apartments will comprise studio, one and two bedrooms; the townhouses are three- and four-bedroom units; while the villas will offer four- and five-bedroom options. The villas and townhouses are being developed in seven phases.

According to Tabler, the beautifully designed villas are themed in either a traditional or modern style, boasting interior and exterior elements that complement everything from the lifestyle of residents to the carefully landscaped surroundings.

“With a variety of layouts sizes, and high quality finishes, Al Zahia villas also provide the space and luxury of back gardens and generous plot sizes.”

The townhouses offer two layouts – three- or four-bedroom spacious units with a study. The apartments are located closer to the University City road with easy access to the community. These mix of studios, one, and two bedroom apartments offer affordable homes.

Tabler ... “Al Zahia is a place for everyone.”

Tabler says Phase One of Al Zahia has already been handed over. It included 49 units and two show homes. Phase Two, meanwhile includes 197 units and is under construction. This phase is scheduled for completion in August 2016 and handover is planned in September and October 2016. Phase Three on the other hand will comprise 342 townhouses and villas, while Phase Four is still in design stage.

Al Zahia also includes 1,400 Garden Apartments spread over nine buildings. The first phase of Garden Apartments, which consists of 330 apartments, has been tendered and construction will start next year.

The villas and townhouses are expected to be completed in August 2016. “The phase is almost sold out and we have started selling Phase Three, which has also been tendered,” says Tabler.

Other features of the Al Zahia development includes two mosques, mall, retail element and parks.

“Construction of the mall is going to start next year. Work in this regard has also been tendered,” says Tabler.